Showing posts with label New Testament. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Testament. Show all posts

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bible: Fiction or Nonfiction?


University is an amazing institution where the minds of the future can be shaped and moulded. As a university student, I was exposed to many different types of theories and philosophies. One of those philosophies was post modernism, which is the belief that there is no absolute truth, but there are actually many different truths which are socially constructed. As a student who did not believe in the teachings of the bible, I found this philosophy compelling as it seemed inclusive and tolerant, blowing ‘narrow minded Christians, Muslims, Modernists and so on, out of the water.

My post modernism shaken

Midway through my university studies, I started to question the philosophy of post modernism. My mind dabbled in the possibility of their existing absolute truth and meaning. So, naturally, I asked the question, ‘how can all belief systems (including atheism) be right’ if there is such a thing called absolute truth? Thus, I came across the bible, which teaches that:
  • The world was created by one God, who loves us and wants to have a fulfilling relationship with us,
  • However, we have all rejected him and now suffer the consequences of death and suffering.
  • God became a man named Jesus, lived the perfect life, experienced the turmoils and trails we face, and died on the cross to pay for our rejection,
  • Jesus was resurrected and now reigns as King of the universe, and will return to recreate everything, judge the world and save those who trust in him.

Learning these biblical teachings and becoming regenerated by the Holy Spirit, my post modern understandings were shaken and eventually made completely obsolete, as the teachings of the bible were clearly absolute in nature.

How can the world still neglect the bible?

So if the bible is absolute in its teachings, then what place does post modernism have in our society? Strangely, post modernism, and every other counter argument to the bible, continues to thrive even though it’s contradicted by the bible. A driving force against the bible is the notion that the scriptures cannot be trusted as it is an unreliable text, full of historical errors and contradictions. This was one of the hurdles I tackled on my path to Christianity, which I found in the end, a rather facetious counter argument.

The claim that the bible is unreliable text due to the amount of errors and contradictions in it, is a rather laughable counter argument. Biblical textual criticism is the field of study where scholars compare the many New Testament manuscripts dating back to the Early Church period. Most critical biblical scholars are in agreement, that the bible is a reliable historical document which holds absolutely no damaging contractions, as claimed by some. The contradictions that seem to be evident are possible minor changes in words, which have occurred over time.

 

An immensely helpful article was written about five years ago, titled Misanalyzing Text Criticism--Bart Ehrman's'Misquoting Jesus'. This article was authored by two of the world’s most leading textual and biblical scholars, Professor Ben Witherington III and Professor Daniel Wallace. The article is a response to another textual critic named Professor Bart Erhman, who has created a stir with some of his most recent publications, claiming that the bible is a fabrication, full of historical errors. Both Witherington and Wallace expertly dismantle Erhman’s arguements. I recommend you read the article as I will do this field of study a massive disservice if I try.


Where to from here?

After examining the evidence, I came to the conclusion that the bible is God’s word, in perfect agreement within itself and a reliable historical document, detailing the work of God in his creation. I endorse the endeavour of examining the historical and biblical evidence for yourself. To many of us, including myself, can be indifferent, ignorant or hold an incorrect bias to the field of biblical textual criticism, and as a result, completely miss the enormous claims of scripture. Please don’t fall into this trap, as there is a great and loving God who is communicating with us through his scriptures.

So I leave you with this question – are you listening to God? Or, have you closed your ears and minds to God because you are taking someone’s else’s word for it? 

Monday, June 13, 2011

Resource Review: The New Bible Dictionary (3rd Edition)


To order this product:
Click Here (Koorong) (Amazon)

This book is easy to read, very thorough and extremely perceptive. I have found this book a handy addition to my library.

As an accessible, comprehensive A - Z of Bible terms, place names, books, people and doctrines, the NEW BIBLE DICTIONARY has stood the test of time. It has long been recognized as an essential reference work, now revised and improved for the Bible students of today.

Written by an international team of over 150 scholars, this Third Edition updates key articles, time charts and all bibliographies - revisions that reflect recent developments in biblical studies. Maps, family trees, line drawings, diagrams and charts clarify and expand the text. A vital tool freshly sharpened for contemporary use. 1323 pages, from IVP.

Endorsement:
John Stott says: "I doubt if there is any better value for money today than theNew Bible Dictionary and the New Bible Commentary. As basic books for every thinking Christian's library they are indispensable."

Hardback, IVP Press 1298 pages
Price: Approx. $40 (Koorong)
Price: Approx. $29 (Amazon)

Resource Review: The Message of Matthew


To order this product:
Click Here (Koorong) (Amazon)

Matthew is the first book in the New Testament, and it has come to be known as the gospel to the Hebrews. Michael Green carefully unpacks the difficult passages in Matthew, offering insightful information that will enrich your walk with Jesus. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it to anyone studying the Gospel of Matthew.

The Gospel of Matthew offers the fullest and most systematic account of Jesus' birth, life, teaching, death and resurrection. Michael Green shows how this very Jewish Gospel portrays the power and purpose of Christ's life and work, which was to bring light to all nations. This highly readable commentary provides scholarly insights without being overly technical.

The Gospel according to Matthew is an important book of the New Testament, containing a systematic account of the birth, life, teaching and death of Jesus. This text review the importance of the Gospel to the Christian faith

Paperback Book, 325 pages
Price: Approx. $17 (Koorong)
Price: Approx. $15 (Amazon)

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Who was Jesus (6): Christmas and Eager Expectation!

Christmas for me all those years ago was a very exciting time. I can clearly remember when the Christmas holidays came around (about December 15th - Australia), my brothers and I would wait in eager expectation for ten days to pass and our Christmas presents arrive under the tree. I want to emphasise the words “eager expectation” as this will be the theme for this article!

I will once again postpone my article on Jesus’ resurrection for a later time (as I am reading a fantastic book on this event) and focus closer to the life of Jesus. If you have missed the five previous articles in this series please click on the following links (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5).

Returning to our introduction, can you remember back to those younger days when Christmas drew closer? I want you now to put on the shoes of a Jewish person living in the Middle East, about 2000 years ago. The Jewish people of this time were waiting for a king who would come and rescue them from terrible rule of the Roman Empire. This king would bring about eternal peace between God and the human race (see Christians Believe Part 1 and Part 2 for more information). Finally, on the first Christmas, the king arrived and he was named Jesus.

Like an eager young child at Christmas, the Jews were eagerly awaiting this king. As Christmas is almost here, today, I am going to give you the criteria, from the Old Testament ( firest section of the bible before Jesus arrived) for this global conquering Christmas king. Beside each criterion is a bible reference about this king and how it is fulfilled in Jesus from the New Testament (second section of the bible during Jesus life and after), which is linked to RefTagger – simply scroll over the top of the reference and the bible passage will pop-up. All references are from Mark Driscoll’s Vintage Jesus – Chapter 3, which I strongly recommend you check out – he is a gifted Pastor and author!

The Strict Criteria for the Christmas King

* The King would come from the family of Abraham, the Patriarch from the Old Testament (Genesis 12:3, 17:19, 49:10; Numbers 24:17). At the beginning of Matthew, Jesus family tree is detailed showing that he descended from the family of Abraham (Matthew 1:1-2).

* The King would be born of a virgin and he would be named Immanuel, which means God with us (Isaiah 7:14). The Gospel of Matthew explains that Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, to a virgin woman named Mary (Matthew 1:18-23).

* The King would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). As you may know, Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7).

* The King’s family would escape to Egypt to save his life when he was young (Hosea 11:1). Jesus parents, Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt to evade King Herod (Matthew 2:13-15).

* The King would never rebel (sin) against God (Isaiah 53:9). Jesus, Peter explains never sinned once – he was perfect (1 Peter 2:21-22).

* The King would enter the Jewish temple (Malachi 3:1). This is an important fact to the argument as the temple was destroyed in 70AD, and Jesus entered this very temple (Luke 2:25-27).

* The King would have a messenger who would prepare the way for him (Isaiah 40:3). John the Baptist, Jesus cousin, prepared the people for the arrival of Jesus (Matthew 3:1-3).

* The King would do amazing miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6). Jesus healed the blind, the deaf, the lame and the mute. He even raised people from the dead (Matthew 11:2-5).

* The King would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus, days before his death, rode into Jerusalem as a donkey and people greeted him as a king (Luke 19:28, 35-38).

* The King would be betrayed by a friend for exactly thirty pieces silver (Psalm 41:9; Zechariah 11:12-13). Jesus was betrayed by his friend and disciple, Judas Iscariot for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:49-50, 14-15, 27:5-7).

* The King would be beaten up and mocked by crowds (Isaiah 50:6). Jesus was beaten and mocked by crowds of people and soldiers (Matthew 26:67).

* People would gamble for the Kings clothing (Psalm 22:18). During Jesus execution, soldiers gambled for his garments (John 19:23-24).

* The King would eventually be hated and rejected and he would defend himself (Isaiah 53:3, 7). Jesus was most definitely hated and rejected (Matthew 27:39-44, 12).

* Before crucifixion was even invented, it was predicted that the King would be crucified (Psalm 22:16). Jesus was executed by mode of crucifixion (Luke 23:33).

* The King would be killed with sinners (Isaiah 53:12). Jesus was crucified between two criminals (Matthew 27:38).

* By two different prophets, it was predicted that during the execution, none of the kings bones would be broken (Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20). None of Jesus bones were broken during his execution (John 19:32-36).

* The King would die (Isaiah 53:8). Jesus most definitely died (Luke 23:46).

* The King would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9). Jesus, a poor man, was buried in the tomb that belonged to a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-60).

* Again predicted by two different prophets, the King would resurrect from the dead (Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10-11). Jesus was resurrected from the dead three days after his crucifixion (Acts 2:25-32).

* The King would ascend to heaven with the souls of dead Christians (Psalm 68:18). Jesus ascended into heaven with the souls of dead Christians (Ephesians 4:7-10).

* The King would sit at the right hand of God ruling the Universe (Psalm 110:1). Jesus, to this very day is sitting at the right hand of the Father ruling (Hebrews 1:3).

Our Eternal Christmas Gift

Jesus clearly and emphatically meets the job description of the King. We all live in a broken world in desperate need of a good king. Therefore, Jesus fits the description for this very king, for whom the Jews were long waiting for. My plead through all of this is today is that you might come to live for Jesus. Christmas is truly and solely about Jesus the king. Why not make this Christmas about Jesus? I’ve given you the facts so please digest them and consider making him your king!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Resource Review: The Message of Creation

I have been reading this fascinating book, which I recommend to those who are interested in the overlap of science and theology. It is a heavy book; essentially this book is a commentary thick with bible references and theological jargon. However, it is understandable if you are willing to learn. Personally, I find this book a gem, as David Wilkinson holds degrees in both theology and cosmology (study of the Universe in its totality).

With the eyes of a theologian and a cosmologist, David Wilkinson explores the message of creation in God's Word. Focusing on the beginning, the songs, the fulfilment, the lessons, and the Lord of creation, he brings the texts into lively conversation with contemporary concerns.

Paperback, 304 pages
Price: Approx. $16.95

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Who was Jesus (4): Great business man, brilliant teacher or something more?

A better title for this article would be ‘who is Jesus’, but to maintain continuity in the series, I will retain ‘who was Jesus’. This is now the fourth part in the ‘Jesus’ series. If you have missed the first three articles here are links to these (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3). Initially, I was going to write about the resurrection (see Christians Believe Part 4 if you can’t wait), which I will do in the next article, but I thought it be good to wrestle with the notion of absolute truth.

As I have already stated in previous articles, I studied at University. At uni, I learnt that modern philosophy has experienced a push towards post-modernism, which purports that there is no absolute truth. I, like many of my peers, simply accepted this understanding without surveying the vast amount of literature, which clearly argues against this theory. In time, I learnt through the bible and other great philosophers like C.S. Lewis that there is truth and we can possess this truth. I found that the claims of post-modernismists, i.e. that there is no absolute truth, are in actual fact making absolute truth claims, which they claim doesn’t exist – think about it! Is there absolute truth; absolutely yes!

The Jesus of today

Jesus, who lived about 2 000 years ago, made many massive claims which have changed the world. One of the popular views held today about Jesus is that he is one of the greatest teachers of all time. What do you think about this view? Jesus taught many great things, these would include loving your neighbour, turning the other cheek and so on. But is that it? What does the bible have to say about this?

Can we trust the bible?

Before we examine what the bible has to say about Jesus teachings, I want to address some of your presuppositions towards the bible. Firstly, the bible was written between 10 to 70 years after Jesus lived. That is easily within memory range for the authors to accurately remember the events of Jesus. Secondly, the bible is one of the most, if not the most reliable historical document on earth today. The historical events addressed in the bible align with ancient history. The shear amount of manuscripts, historical data and archaeological evidence available to scholars make it virtually one of a kind. Thirdly, our English transitions of the bible a fantastic. The bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament). The English bible has been translated directly from the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek manuscripts. You can even buy copies of the Hebrew and Greek bibles. The bible is sound and very reliable from a historical point of view. Even scientifically, the bible is solid (check out Science and Jesus Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5).

Jesus the great teacher or something more?

So, let’s return to the principle argument, was Jesus simply a good teacher? In my opinion, the major problem with this view is that Jesus makes many massive claims. Firstly, he claims that there is absolute truth and secondly, that he is that very truth. Therefore, if you hold to the philosophy that there is no absolute truth, then Jesus, in your opinion cannot a good teacher. Take for example, the discussion between Jesus and Pontius Pilate in John’s gospel (John 18:33-38):
So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"
Crunch time for the truth

At this point in the gospel, Jesus had been arrested and put on trial by Pilate, who was the Roman governor in Jerusalem. Pilate eventually sentences Jesus to be crucified on a Roman cross. The point that I am trying to make by using this passage is that Jesus claims three massive things:
  • Firstly he claims to be God -
    Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." (John 18:36)
  • Secondly, he claims to have come into the world to be crucified –
    "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born (John 18:37), and
  • Thirdly, he claims to bear witness to the truth,
    For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." (John 18:37)
  • Finally, the very same author of this text adds that Jesus is that very truth he came to bear witness to
    For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17)
Sadly, in this discourse, Pilate makes a massive error, which is the very same error that modern day philosophy makes, that truth is transient and not fixed. Jesus is clearly in opposition to this notion when he says “I came to bear witness to the truth”, as he firmly teaches the existence of truth, which is found in him only!

Do you still think Jesus was a good teacher because if you do, I want to challenge you with the four points listed above. Jesus clearly taught that he is the truth and that he was crucified for this. So what is this truth? Jesus, who is fully God, came into human history to die for broken sinners like you and I. As a result, his death cleanses us from all our guilt if we trust in him and live for him. Was he a good teacher? My answer is a firm yes, because he is my life! So, I challenge you to put your trust in Jesus, who is the truth!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Resource Review: For the Love of God Volume 2

"For the Love of God" Volume 2 is a fantastic read. I found this book easy to read and it accompanied my bible reading well. I strongly recommend this book to those who would like to enrich their reading with some short but easily accessible devolution's by Don Carson. Below is a short blurb about the book:

As with Volume 1, Volume 2 of Don Carson's reworking of McCheyne's Bible reading system includes reflections on each day's scripture passages. Read through the New Testament and Psalms twice and Old Testament once in a year.

Here is a brief summary about the author:
  • D. A. Carson (Ph.D., Cambridge University) is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and he has also served as a pastor. His areas of expertise include biblical theology, the historical Jesus, postmodernism, pluralism, Greek grammar, Johannine theology, Pauline theology, and questions of suffering and evil.
  • Dr. Carson has written or edited more than 45 books, including The Sermon on the Mount; Exegetical Fallacies; Matthew (Revised Expistor's Bible Commentary), New Testament Commentary Survey, 6th ed.
  • His book, The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism won the 1997 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Gold Medallion Award. Recent works include Christ and Culture Revisited; The Intolerance of Tolerance; Galatians and Revelation (Pillar New Testament Commentary); Hebrews (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) and 1-3 John (New International Greek Testament Commentary)
416 pages
Price: Approx. $19.95

Resource Review: For the Love of God Volume 1

Don Carson has reworked the classic Robert Murray McCheyne Bible reading system (schedule for reading the bible in one year) for easier use, guiding you through the New Testament and Psalms twice, and the Old Testament once in the course of 365 days. This is an invaluable resource, which includes a one-page explanation of the text and devotional comments for each day.

Here is a brief summary about the author:
  • D. A. Carson (Ph.D., Cambridge University) is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and he has also served as a pastor. His areas of expertise include biblical theology, the historical Jesus, postmodernism, pluralism, Greek grammar, Johannine theology, Pauline theology, and questions of suffering and evil.
  • Dr. Carson has written or edited more than 45 books, including The Sermon on the Mount; Exegetical Fallacies; Matthew (Revised Expistor's Bible Commentary), New Testament Commentary Survey, 6th ed.
  • His book, The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism won the 1997 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Gold Medallion Award. Recent works include Christ and Culture Revisited; The Intolerance of Tolerance; Galatians and Revelation (Pillar New Testament Commentary); Hebrews (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) and 1-3 John (New International Greek Testament Commentary)
400 pages
Price: Approx. $19.95

Friday, August 13, 2010

The Book of Galatians

The two Religion (1 & 2) posts were inspired through the reading of Galatians. The scriptures state: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). With this in mind, below is a link to bible gateways reading of Galatians (ESV).

The letter to the churches in Galatia was written by the Apostle Paul around the year 55 AD. The main thrust of Paul in this letter is to confirm to all Christians are forgiven through the work of Jesus death and resurrection. He argues against the meaninglessness of manmade religion and how it leads to nothing but pride and death. Paul leads into a deep discussion of the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer (adapted from Fee & Stuart, 2002). This book is truly a gem and a must for those who are thinking about the core teachings of Christianity.

Please follow the links below to read Galatians:

Galatians (ESV)

If you would like to download a complete bible, please check out E-Sword. Over 80% of the material is free, very useful and small in size. In addition, I can send you a hardcopy of the bible (simply email vintagejc@hotmail.com).

I pray the Lord blesses your time and that your study may be fruitful in Jesus name.

Resource Review: How to Read the Bible Book by Book

How to Read the Bible Book by Book helps people read the Bible as a whole; and even when the whole is narrowed to whole books, helps readers to see how each book fits into the grand Story of the Bible.

To order this product:
Click Here A Guided Tour from Genesis through Revelation



Reading the Bible need not be a haphazard journey through strange and bewildering territory. Like an experienced tour guide, How to Read the Bible Book by Book takes you by the hand and walks you through the Scriptures. For each book of the Bible, the authors start with a quick snapshot, then expand the view to help you better understand its key elements and how it fits into the grand narrative of the Bible. Written by two top evangelical scholars, this survey is designed to get you actually reading the Bible knowledgeably and understanding it accurately.

In an engaging, conversational style, Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart take you through a given book of the Bible using their unique, progressive approach:

Orienting Data - Concise info bytes that form a thumbnail of the book
Overview - A brief panorama that introduces key concepts and themes and important landmarks in the book
Specific Advice for Reading - Pointers for accurately understanding the details and message of the book in context with the circumstances surrounding its writing
A Walk Through - The actual section-by-section tour that helps you see both the larger landscape of the book and how its various parts work together to form the whole. Here you are taken by the hand and told, "Look at this!"

432 pages
Price: Approx. $19.95

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Resource Review: Life of Jesus


Have you ever considered the historical and real Jesus? Do you believe that Christianity is a myth with no historical proof? The Life of Jesus is a fantastic resource that aims at examining the tangible evidence of the existence of Jesus, his death and resurrection. This is a must!

What really happened back in the first century, in Jerusalem and around the lake of Galilee, that changed the shape of world history? Who is this figure that emerges from history to have a profound impact on culture, ethics, politics and philosophy? Come with historian John Dickson on this six-episode journey through the life of Jesus, from birth to his reported resurrection. Shot on location in Israel, the Life of Jesus documentary includes 25 bonus conversations between John Dickson and Greg Clarke about the philosophical and personal issues arising from Jesus' life and teaching.

Price: Approx. $24.95
There is also a book available by John Dickson on the “Life of Jesus”

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

The Book of Hebrews


This week’s post was inspired through the reading of Hebrews. The scriptures state: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). With this in mind, below are two links to bible gateways reading of Hebrews (ESV).

The letter of Hebrews was written by an unknown author (my guess is probably Luke) around the year 65 to 70 AD. The author is pressing on the receiving Christians that God has spoken his final words through his Son, and therefore, to abandon Jesus is to abandon God. In addition, Jesus is superior to everything, this includes angels, Moses, the Old Testament Prophets and Priestly system. We can have full assurance in Jesus, as the author continually states and urges all to fix our eyes on Jesus, for our only hope is in him (adapted from Fee & Stuart, 2002).

Please follow the links below to read Hebrews:
Hebrews 1-6
Hebrews 7-13

If you would like to download a complete bible, please check out E-Sword. Over 80% of the material is free, very useful and small in size. In addition, I can send you a hardcopy of the bible (simply email vintagejc@hotmail.com).

I pray the Lord blesses your time and that your study may be fruitful in Jesus name.

Resource Review: Vintage Jesus


To order this product:

This is a brilliant book for those investigating Jesus and Christianity. Easy to read and funny throughout, Vintage Jesus tackles the myths and false views created through two thousand years of religion. I strongly recommend this book as we head into the ‘Who was Jesus’ series.

Some two thousand years after he walked the earth, Jesus Christ is still a hot topic. And for all the ridiculous, twisted, Da Vinci Code-esque- conspiracy theories and lies about Jesus that have permeated popular culture and even the academy over the years, the truth about his character, nature, and work has not changed. So what exactly is the truth about Jesus Christ?

That's the question the authors of Vintage Jesus seek to answer by breaking it down into a number of sub-questions about Jesus, including
• Is Jesus the only God?
• Why did Jesus come to earth?
• Did Jesus rise from death?
• Why should we worship Jesus?

Nonbelievers and new Christians looking to sit down and delve into the topic of Jesus, asking the toughest, most confounding questions they can think of, will find solid, biblical answers presented in a relevant, accessible way.

176 pages from Re: Lit
Price: Approx. $21.95

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Resource Review: God’s Big Picture


If you have been stirred by Christians Believe (6), why not have a read of God’s Big Picture. Very easy to read outlining the basic points of Christianity.

Sixty-six books written by forty people over nearly 2,000 years, in two languages and several different genres. A worldwide bestseller published in countless sizes and bindings, translations and languages. It has been sworn by in court, fought over by religious people, quoted in arguments. The Bible is clearly no ordinary book. How can we begin to read and understand it as a whole?

In his excellent overview, Vaughan Roberts gives the big picture - showing how the different parts of the Bible fit together under the theme of the kingdom of God. He gives us both the encouragement and the tools to read it with confidence and understanding. He points us to the Bible's supreme subject, Jesus Christ, and the salvation God offers through him.

160 pages
Price: Approx. $16.95