02 July 2024
29 June 2024
Mesha Stele: The Second 'House of David' Inscription
Note: I am not in agreement with the theology of AIBA. However, their archeological work is well done and of worthy of note.
19 June 2024
07 June 2024
27 August 2022
Great Website on Biblical Archaeology
I'm always on the hunt for informative, attractive websites that appeal to my interests in Biblical Archaeology and the origins of our Scriptures. Bible Archaeology Report in just such a site.Chock full of articles on the latest discoveries, it can keep the armchair archaeologist captivated for hours. Take a look and enjoy!!
Here's a sample
21 August 2022
15 January 2022
Quick Book Review: Translation of the Seventy by Edmon L. Gallagher
My last book review of The Septuagint: What It Is and Why It Matters really whet my appetite for more history on the Septuagint. I dug deeper and found Edmon L. Gallagher's, Translation of the Seventy. It was a true delight to read, or maybe devour is a better way of putting it.
Though still an introduction to the Septuagint (LXX), this work delves deeper into the many issues that surround the LXX.
The book is written in three sections:
I. Starting points - The reader is introduced to the LXX, its origins and why its important.
II. Canon and Text in Early Judaism and Earliest Christianity - In this section Gallagher begins to go deep. Most interesting here is how the biblical canon affected the growth of the LXX.
III. The Text of the Septuagint among the Fathers - What is most intriguing in this section is the roles that Jerome and Augustine played in the history of the LXX.
I've only highlighted some aspects of the work, there is far more the reader will find of interest within its pages. If church history, text criticism, early Judaism, early Christianity, are your interests or field of study this book is for you.
This work extremely insightful and helpful in gaining a greater understanding of the Septuagint.
There are paid links in this post.
16 July 2021
Book review: Reformation Anglican Worship: Experiencing Grace, Expressing Gratitude by Michael Jensen
Whereas Packer's book focuses on Anglican history through the centuries, Jensen's book focuses on the development of Anglican worship. Rich in history, Jensen outlines the development of Anglican worship with a close eye on Cranmer and his work. He states in the introduction, "My objective is to uncover the roots of the Reformation theology and practice of worship." He continues, "The origins of the distinctive Anglican worship— for which it is best known— lie in a clear step away from the worship of the medieval Catholic Church and the theological convictions that it represented." "...for Cranmer as a liturgist. He was a genuinely theological liturgist, seeking to enshrine a particular gospel by means of his revision of English worship." And, "In this book, therefore, I will be less concerned to outline my preferences for a particular style of church meeting than to explore the theological convictions that made the Anglicanism of the Reformation what it was and is today— and what it could be in the future."
This book is a wealth if information, not just for the Anglican or would-be Anglican, but for all of us who seek true, Biblical worship that is edifying and pleasing to our Triune God.
Casting our eye over the table of contents, we see that Jensen covers a
range of topics that historically and currently are of interest.
1 The Heart of Christian Worship
2 Worship in the English Reformation
3 Reading and Preaching the Scriptures
4 The Gospel Signs: The Sacraments
5 Prayers of Grace
6 Music: The Word in Song Acknowledgments Bibliography
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
General Index
Scripture Index
This work is well written, easy to understand, and quite an enjoyable read. Highlights for me were the last three chapters on The Sacraments, Prayers of Grace, and Music though none of the book should be discounted.
I thoroughly recommend this book for your edification and understanding of true worship.
Quotations
taken from: Michael P. Jensen; Ashley Null; John W. Yates III.
Reformation Anglican Worship (Kindle Locations 168-213). Crossway.
Crossway has graciously provided a copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own. There are paid links on this page.
09 July 2021
Book Review: The Heritage of Anglican Theology by J. I. Packer
Almost immediately I was drawn into the web of Anglican history, the good and the bad, the ebb and flow, and the main players down through time. Beginning in the early 1500's, Packer takes us all the way through today's current standing in the Anglican church. As with any theological persuasion or denomination, there is both the bad and the good, the mainstream and the fringe, the conservative and the liberal. Theology and worship, true worship of God, can be messy and so it was in Anglican history.
The writing style was most pleasant; an easy read. Complex terms and ideas are explained for the unfamiliar with Anglicanism. Of course, the worship of God, church history, and theology never operate in a vacuum. When, and it was often necessary, British history, culture, and politics are explained. Though this was a work on Anglican history, Packer always explained the correct method of worship and Biblical understanding.
To get a flavor of of the book, below is a list of chapter titles
1 Taking the Measure of the Anglican Mainstream
2 The English Reformation
3 Puritan Theology
4 Richard Hooker
5 The Caroline Divines
6 Rational Divinity
7 Revival Theology
8 The Oxford Movement and Anglo-Catholicism
9 Nineteenth-Century Broad Church Theology
10 Anglican Modernism
11 Early Twentieth-Century Anglican Theology
12 Concluding Thoughts on Anglican Theology
Afterword: Further Thoughts on the Anglican Concept of Doctrine
Recommended Reading
Index
Overall the reader will get a thorough understanding of the state of Anglicanism both past and present.
I would give this five out of five stars! Excellent book. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
For more on Packer's theological thought check out his work, Knowing God.
Crossway has graciously provided a copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own. There are paid links on this page.
21 May 2021
Looking to Enhance Your Devotional Time?
Sometime ago I was looking for a way to change up my devotional time. As I was exploring different avenues I came across this video by Matthew Everhard on the Book of Common Prayer. Though I'm not Anglican I've always heard good things about it. So, I purchased one and followed the directions Matthew has given in his video below. It was well worth the time and small expense.
A less expensive option for the BCP is here (paid link).
Be blessed!
03 April 2021
Top Commentaries on Every Book of the Bible from Nathan W. Bingham
This post from Ligonier is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to begin or expand their commentary library. Bingham's insights are well founded and I'm sure there are more one can add to the list for each book of the Bible.
What commentaries have been most helpful to you?
19 February 2021
New Hebrews Commentary Coming Soon by Michael Kruger
Micheal Kruger, President and Professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte North Carolina, has a new commentary coming out in March. More instructive and devotional rather than strictly academic, I'm sure this will be worth the purchase price!
Check out his blog post here and you can pre-order his commentary here.
18 January 2021
12 September 2020
Commentary Review: ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians Volume 10
There are a myriad of commentaries on the market today. For the layman or pastor one must do their research to find those that employ sound exegesis, excellent theology, and readability. Crossway's new commentary series has them all. Volume 10 of the series, ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians, is enjoyable, instructive, and pastoral.
Contributions include Robert W. Yarbrough (Romans), Andrew David Naselli (1 Corinthians), Dane Ortlund (2 Corinthians), and Frank Thielman (Galatians), all well known names in their field. Each author has an engaging style that is easily readable yet scholarly.
Each book begins with an introduction and every passage studied has a section overview, section outline, comment section, and response. This commentary is fully engaging and helpful.
This would be an outstanding addition to any library. Its usefulness cannot be overstated for teachers, preachers, and layman. ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians can be purchased at Amazon or at WTS Books.
30 April 2020
Start Your Library With These Three Works
13 February 2020
Book Review - Galatians: Freedom through God’s Grace by Phillip J. Long
31 December 2019
2019 Year End Reading in Review
24 January 2019
Book Review: Can We Trust The Gospels? by Peter J. Williams
29 November 2018
Geerhardus Vos Biography
23 July 2018
Bible Review: The ESV Archaeology Study Bible published by Crossway
- Archaeology articles of interest
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- Sidebars (with an index)
- Concordance
- Table of weights & measures
- Timelines
- Maps (with an index)
- Background of the OT
- Background of the NT
- Author Bio’s
- Copious notes
- Cross references
- Did I mention maps?
10 April 2018
Book Review: Kiss the Wave: Embracing God in Your Trials by Dave Furman
“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”
As many know, this is a Charles Spurgeon quote. Spurgeon suffered much in his own life from depression and several physical ailments as well. He was fully aware of the pains of this life and thus we have this famous quote from which the title of this book was taken.
In thirteen easily readable chapters Furman addresses the many aspects of suffering. Whether it be a physical difficulty, emotional distress or from many other issues, he takes us through and offers endless encouragement and many Biblical helps to sustain the reader.
Furman points out that we too often look for our significance from the world, depend on our circumstances for happiness, beg for physical and emotional healing all the while we may be missing God's point.
Rather with great pastoral care and love the author directs us to "...embrace the reality that God is using your pain to make you more like Christ." That's difficult to fathom but Furman explains this truth. "...The way to fight through our trials and grow in holiness is what we've talked about all through this book. Growing in holiness doesn't start by trying harder, but by believing better. We need to hope in the future grace we have in Christ..." God uses weakness to show our need for dependence upon him." Because ultimately, "This is why we kiss the wave. Our trials are an endless buffet table with opportunities for us to grow and look more like Christ. As you struggle through your pain, be comforted that God is not wasting this trial but is doing a good work in you..." (All quotes from Kiss the Wave: Embracing Your Trials by Dave Furman.)
Furman never minimizes the pain the reader may be going through. He knows of it all too well. But he equally knows he easy it is to let frustration rule, to feel self pity, and to give over to sin in our darkest moments.
Furman's final chapter and conclusion are most encouraging. I'll leave that for the reader to explore. The appendix includes helpful recommended resources, a general index and a scripture index.
Give this book a read. You'll find it most helpful and encouraging.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.
27 October 2017
Book Review: How to Read Understand the Old Testament Prophets by Peter J. Gentry
This is not a scholarly work. It is written in simple language that even the newest of believers will understand. It will open the door to some of the most difficult passages to wrap your head around and perhaps provide a new perspective on some of those same passages.
...reading and studying the Bible may not be straightforward for readers with a modern and Western background in culture and language. The biblical texts in origin are ancient and Eastern— they come from a different culture and a different time. Kindle Location 168). Crossway.
One of the highlights of the volume is acquiring an understanding of the difference between modern western literature and that of ancient Hebrew literature. There is a vast chasm between the two that most readers today are unaware of. Moreover, Hebrew authors employed the recursive approach.
The normal pattern of Hebrew literature is to consider topics in a recursive manner, which means that a topic is progressively repeated. Such an approach seems monotonous to those who do not know and understand how these texts communicate. (Kindle Location 172). Crossway.
Grasping these two points will do much to enhance the reading and study enjoyment for the modern Bible reader.
As Gentry continues, he offers specific and valuable examples from the O.T., often from Isaiah. These examples will do much to increase the reader's grasp of the prophets. Word pairs, triplets, typology, metaphors, symbolic language and especially apocalyptic language are subjects covered with enough clarity that the reader will derive an enhanced ability to engage with the OT authors.
Of most import, why was this written for us? What was the ultimate purpose?
...one major purpose of the Old Testament prophets was to bring the people back to faithful love and loyalty to Yahweh in the covenant relationship established at Sinai (Exodus 19– 24) and renewed at Moab (Deuteronomy). (Kindle Locations 446-447). Crossway.
I can recommend this book with great enthusiasm. Not all of Scripture is perspicuous and this book will be an indispensable aid to those who wish to delve further and more deeply in the study of the O.T.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.
For further reading and study
Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis and Interpretation by G. K. Beale
Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by D. A. Carson & G.K. Beale
26 October 2017
Reading Luther - Best Recommendations
Martin Luther: Selections From His Writing
27 July 2017
Authors Dr. Carl Trueman and Dr. T. David Gordon speak on the Reformation
Authors Dr. Carl Trueman and Dr. T. David Gordon spoke at the recent Remembering & Renewing Reformation Conference in Hudson, Ohio. Click here for the audio and please share. Don't forget to check out their books, too.