Purchase A Place at the Table

If you want to start a fight, talk about money. Many pastors avoid the subject altogether – despite the fact that Jesus spoke more about money then anyone else. For others, its all they can talk about. They equate an abundance of possessions with faith. But, the bible cannot be reduced to such simplistic positions. It maintains a nuanced position that neither condemns wealth or poverty nor exalts them. They are both opportunities to display the goodness and kindness of God. Yet, that does not mean that we ought to have no concern for the poor. It’s just the opposite. The Prophets regularly condemned Israel for their neglect of the poor, the widowed and the orphaned. James 1.26-27 considers the care for widows and orphans to be “true religion”.

Chris Seay is the pastor of Ecclesia – a church in Houston, Texas. A Place at the Table is a forty day journey towards solidarity with the poor. He considers such a journey to be a type of Jesus’ forty days of fasting. It was a lonely, desolate and hungry time. I think he overlooks the greater typology of Jesus as the new Moses and Adam. But, his goal in this forty day journey is that we might become more like Christ in the process. I can get on board with that.Each chapter is another day in the journey. He connects our journey through this life to Biblical events like the flood and the wilderness wanderings. Seay also wants to inform us of the many needs represented across the globe and the many ways our communities and our churches can mobilize to meet those needs in the name of Christ.

This book is less of an academic exercise and more of a journey. Seay intends for us connect with the heart of God to care for the poor and become more like Jesus in our kindness, selflessness, generosity and service. We can all be thankful for the provisions with which the Lord has blessed us – whether lower, middle or upper class. But, as believers we recognize that whatever we have been given is from the Lord and is a tool to be used for the benefit of others, not an idol to be hoarded.

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.

Purchase 40 Questions About the End Times

Eschatology gets a bad rap. I think too many of us have been held captive to a headline prophet with a chart. Worse yet, I can recall VBS evening movies at my church which were just about always some poorly made Christian film about the tribulation. My experience told me that “the end times” is a boogeyman we’re all terrified of but can’t stop talking about. So, I decided “this is dumb” (and most of it is, let’s be honest) and punted the whole thing. I would cringe anytime someone would say “things are just getting worse and worse” or when a professor connected to my school would write a book about a certain deposed Middle-Eastern leader and his Babylonian vision. I can’t help but sigh when I think of news reports about tracking chips for dogs which certain Christians interpreted as a fore-runner to the mark of the beast. Orwellian? Yes. Mark of the Beast? Probably not.

Here’s another popular-level book about eschatology. Is it really worth our time? Won’t it just be more of the same? A resounding ‘No’! Dr. Schnabel has done a great service to Christians with this latest book. 40 Questions about the End Times is the fourth in the series. The format of this book is both detailed and accessible. He addresses many issues related to eschatology and helps unwind the many misconceptions and misunderstandings – and there are many. A second great feature is his focus on the biblical text. This is an exploration in the Bible and what it has to say about eschatology. If we are not basing our eschatology on the Bible then all we have is doomsday speculation which is not its purpose at all (1 Thessalonians 5.11).

This would make an excellent supplementary text in a Systematic Theology course or even as a stand-alone study. Dr. Schnabel proves to be an excellent guide in the often murky and sensational waters of eschatology. I plan to return to this book often in my own personal studies.

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.

Baker Books has kindly provided a copy of Richard Dahlstrom’s book, The Colors of Hope. Entering the giveaway will be open to anyone and everyone. In order to register you will need to subscribe to me blog and you can do that in either email or RSS. For additional entries, you can tweet or post links on facebook as many times as you like for as many extra entries. If you tweet please make sure to include my ID (@jsweeney27) and the following hashtag #giveawayhope. This giveaway will run through March 3, 2012.

Good Luck!

]]> http://jacobsweeney.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/the-colors-of-hope-giveaway/feed/ 0 jacobsweeney http://jacobsweeney.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/crosstalk/ http://jacobsweeney.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/crosstalk/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:30:25 +0000 jacobsweeney http://jacobsweeney.wordpress.com/?p=581 ]]>

Purchase CrossTalk

The Word of God declares itself to be “living and active” (Heb 4.12) and Isaiah the prophet tells us that God’s word does not return void (Isaiah 55.11). When a pastor preaches the Scriptures, he does so in the full knowledge that it is God’s word and the Holy Spirit which ultimately bring the power. When we spend time in his word we recognize that it is God’s instrument to teach, correct, rebuke and train in righteousness (2 Timothy 3.16-17). It changes us as we hear it, read it and study it.

The Biblical Counseling movement is right, then, to insist on the Bible’s place in soul-care and healing. As Christians we have to recognize it’s authority and inspiration. Moreover, we know that it is a gift direct from God! So, if we want to care for the souls of others as well as our own, we must make use of the Word. But, how do we do it well. An accurate critique of other counselors is that the Biblical Counseling (otherwise callednouthetic from the Greek word meaning “rebuke”) can be simplistic – a take-two-verses-and-call-me-in-the-morning approach. Sadly, many have counseled and cared in that way.

Michael Emlet has proposed a new way. His book, CrossTalk, is intended to be a primer on the Word of God and its place in counseling. This book is primarily a study in Bibliology – the doctrine of the Word of God. He looks as what the Bible is, how we should read it and what it has to say to our lives. While it may seem odd to write a book on Biblical Counseling that focuses on the nature of the Bible and how to read it, the fact is that this book was seriously needed. The Word of God is “living and active” but it’s not a magic pill. It’s a story of God, his people and his recreating work of salvation. We can’t cut out one sentence, put it on a mug and expect transformation overnight. We need to invite people into the story which God is telling and walk with God together.

This is an excellent book. It helps us in our own Christian lives in addition to counseling and ministry. I am consistently impressed by the work of the men at CCEF (Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation). They always put out great works which benefit the entire people of God. Michael Emlet and CrossTalk are no exception.

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.

Purchase On Being Human

Familiar things are often taken for granted. Their presence has become so regular, so consistent, that we think little of them. The more universal the presence the more likely we are to think little of its existence. We’re all human and we are surrounded by humans. We rarely take the time to consider the nature and existence of humans. Christians are often quick to reference Genesis 1.27 by saying they are in “the image of God”. But, what does that mean? How are we in God’s image? Are there responsibilities that are a part of that image-bearing? Is it spiritual? Emotional? Physical?

These are tough questions but ones that must be explored. Yet, we must not be content with quick or easy answers. It does not take a professional theologian or psychologist to recognize that people are complex – multi-layered, multi-faceted, spiritual, emotional, physical, and social beings. Reductionistic or simplistic solutions must be avoided.

Ray Anderson understands the complexity. Anderson (1925-2009) was the Senior Professor of Theology and Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also the author of many books and this one – On Being Human – is a collection of his essays. They all focus on theological anthropology. It is a study of humanity from a Christian, Biblical position. This is not a bible-alone study. It is a bible-primary study. There is much that we can learn about people by simple observation. But the conclusions derived from that observation must be subservient to the Bible’s teaching on humanity.

Anderson makes use of God’s common grace in the sciences and combines them with rich reflection of scripture. He writes clearly and accurately in a way which challenges the mind and the heart. Through these essays he presents a wonderful picture of humanity which ought to lead us to worship our creator. Some may disagree with some of his conclusions, but this is a valuable study for pastors, counselors and theologians alike.

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.

Purchase Preaching and Preachers

When God called me to serve the church as a pastor, he called me to preach. Though I was extremely shy and loathed the spotlight, I couldn’t escape the growing desire to stand and declare God’s Word. This desire grew in a simple way: through reading the Bible. The more time I spent with God in his Word, the more I longed to stand and declare. But, just as the artisans who built and decorated the temple needed both skill and the Spirit I knew I needed some training.

Preaching & Preachers was originally a series of lectures given by Dr. Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Theological Seminary in 1972. In it he sought to provide a vision for preaching that would encourage and equip a generation of preachers. This 40th anniversary edition has added short articles by contemporary preachers influenced by Lloyd-Jones to help introduce the next generation to his infectious desire to declare God’s Word.

He leads us to ground our preaching in a confident assurance that the Bible is God’s Word and preaching it accomplishes God’s work. It is the centerpiece of the worship of the church and ought to reflect that position. Preaching must be educational, spiritual and experimental (experiential). We must learn, be moved by the Spirit and be moved in our hearts. Thus, preaching is a sacred act which must be approached with humility and worship.

In my journey to grow as a preacher of God’s word I have spent time in many books on the subject. But, Preaching & Preachers has proved to be one of the best. Any pastor – young or old – needs to spend some time with the Doctor and catch his vision for the preaching of God’s Word. I not only learned something about preaching I was set on fire once again for this work to which God has called me. If you’re looking for a book to help you grow in your preaching, this one is it!

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.

Purchase The Pastor: A Memior

I was called to pastoral ministry at sixteen. It was nine years before I ever served in a pastoral position in a church. Those nine years were filled with anticipation and idealism. I read books, followed certain leaders and graduated from Bible college. My first job wasn’t a pastor’s position but I was teaching the Bible. It was great until I began feeling burned out just a few months in. Once the burn out began to set in I became irritable, angry and disruptive. I felt like it was my job to change everything and save everyone.

I ended up leaving that job in march, a mere eight months after I began. I have learned much since those days and the six months that I have served as a pastor have been much better. I fear that many bible college and seminary graduates fall into the same trap. We have a god-complex and believe that everything’s broken and we need to fix it. We feel the pressure to be relevant and to adopt every new idea which crosses our path. Eugene Peterson’s memoir - The Pastor – is an exploration in pastoral ministry and the challenges we all face.

He provides us with a window into his upbringing, training and ministry experiences. He also provides us with a critique of all the things which trip up pastors. So many of us get caught up in the desire to be the latest and greatest. Often we lose sight of our original calling which is to love people and care for the flock. Peterson has faced many of the same challenges in fifty years of pastoral ministry that we all face. He provides us the perspective that we all need to keep our heads and focus on the work that really matters.

This is an excellent exploration in pastoral ministry in the twenty-first century. The pressures today to become the next mega-church pastor, leadership expert, conference speaker, best-selling author, are everywhere. We needed this reminder about the heart of being a pastor. Peterson gives us a great vision and fills us with passion to serve and lead like the Great Shepherd.

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.

Purchase The Letter to the Hebrews

Hebrews is one of my favorite books of the New Testament. The author was a master of Greek, the Old Testament and rhetoric. The way he moves through comparing Moses and Melchizedek with Christ is incredible. He gives us an insight into how we ought to understand and interpret the Old Testament. Nevertheless, there are things in this letter (or sermon) that can be difficult to understand. Many people throughout history have been quick to make hasty conclusions about portions of Hebrews, myself included. It would be beneficial for all of us to think carefully about this very important NT book.

Peter O’Brien’s commentary on Hebrews helps us do that. He writes with a scholars sharp thinking and a pastor’s heart. He understands that this isn’t just an academic exercise, he is offering a guide to aid men in the proclamation of God’s Word to his people. There is more at stake than scholastic street cred.

Most importantly, for a commentary on Hebrews sensitive to pastoral concerns, he deals generously and carefully with the infamous warning passages. As he explores the text he clearly explains the constructions and the available options. Whether everyone will be convinced of his conclusions is not the ultimate value of O’Brien’s commentary. Instead, he shows how we can be gracious and careful in our Bible study. This is a model that we can all follow and benefit from.

This is a welcome addition to any pastor’s library. O’Brien’s careful exegesis will help any minister or bible study leader as they lead their people through this beautiful and powerful book of the NT.

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.

Purchase A Quick Reference Guide to Biblical Counseling

It is inevitable that we will all face situations which we don’t know how to handle. It is impossible to be prepared for any and every possible situation that may arise in life. This shouldn’t surprise us, nor should it mean that we don’t do our best to be prepared. It is merely the acknowledgement of our limitations. As Christians we also recognize that we have a responsibility to minister to one another – a job not limited to clergy.

So, what does that mean? Biblical Counseling has been done poorly and thus earned a bad reputation. Simply because the Bible is inspired and infallible truth does not mean that a “take-two-verses-and-call-me-in-the-morning” prescription will help anyone. Sometimes an attempt to reassure someone of God’s sovereignty in the midst of suffering is a terrible idea. So, how should we respond to miscarriages, a sudden loss of a spouse or child, or even loneliness?

Drs. Tim Clinton and Ron Hawkins have teamed up to provide an accessible and helpful guide to Biblical Counseling. Both of these men serve in executive positions with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and as professors at Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. They are also licensed professional counselors. So, they have come to this project with considerable professional and academic training.

Together they have compiled a list of forty issues and for each issue they have provided personal examples, definitions, advice for counseling, the biblical perspective, points of prayer, and additional resources. The subjects range from envy to death to infidelity. This resource will aid lay-people and pastors in their ministry to one another. This is an incredibly helpful tool for truly understanding the various problems people face, how they are affected by them and what kind of counsel they need.

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.

Purchase A Workbook for Intermediate Greek

For a short period of time Dr. Herbert Bateman IV was a professor of New Testament at the Moody Bible Institute. I was a student there at the same time. While I did not have Dr. Bateman for Greek one of my roommates did. I was able to see second hand the skill and expertise Dr. Bateman possesses in both teaching and with Greek. So, when I saw this workbook, I knew it had to be good.

Now, Dr. Bateman is Professor of New Testament at Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Fortunately, for those of us who are not able to study under him in person, we can still learn from this master teacher through this excellent workbook. As an intermediate study, this book requires a knowledge of basic Greek grammar before beginning. However, even if your knowledge of grammar is not perfect, the inductive nature of this workbook will strengthen those weak areas.

This workbook focuses on the text of 1-3 John which is standard fare for intermediate Greek students. However, the ease of translation does not mean that John’s epistles are simplistic. Far from it. This book reads like a running commentary with one exception. We are not passive recipients of another’s knowledge. We are forced to study the text along with Bateman. This participatory inductive approach is both engaging and enlightening.

Like other intermediate grammars, this helps students of Greek to learn while they study. Also, Bateman provides selections from major grammars and syntax studies so that they can be quickly and easily referenced.

This workbook is an excellent tool for the grammar student to transition into exegesis. Bateman takes us along and involves us in the exegetical process. With an abundance of notes, footnotes, explanations and references, this is sure to be a great tool for further study.

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.