Commentary

WHEN GRACE TRANSFORMS Author Terry Johnson

This magnificent commentary on THE BEATITUDES should be placed alongside Stott, Ferguson, Lloyd-Jones and Boice and is a clarion call to discipleship in depth. If you want a 172-page commentary on the Beatitudes, get yourself a copy.

Alex Motyer wrote in his preface:

“Only a lover and student of Holy Scripture who is also an experienced and caring pastor could have written this book. The Beatitudes have found in Terry Johnson, the expositor we have all been waiting for, and they become, in his hands, a statement of Christian ethics as profound as it is readable. He is as faithful in bruising as in uplifting, but, being a true pastor, even his bruises have a velvet and healing touch.”

This wonderful commentary gives us a picture of what transforming grace looks like in the life of a believer by following Jesus’ own description of His disciples in the Beatitudes.

MATTHEW by Michael Green

The Gospel According to Matthew is among the most influential books ever written. It is one of the four accounts we have of the good news of Jesus, which derives from the apostolic circle. The ancient fathers quoted this Gospel more than any other, and with good reason. It is wonderfully complete, linking Jesus with his Jewish origins and Old Testament background, pointing forward to the growth of the Gentile Christian mission, and embodying in a memorably ordered fashion the teaching, actions, parables, miracles, death and resurrection of the central figure. It is the Gospel that not only proclaims the good news of Jesus but also does so in an organized way that is ideal for any teacher.

“For the past few months, I have been studying Matthew with Michael Green, and it has become my favourite commentary on Matthew. Written by a pastor, evangelist and lecturer, it is truly magnificent and part of the BIBLE SPEAKS TODAY series. I love their verse-by-verse expositions with pastoral experience to back up the teaching…just perfect.

STUDIES IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Author Martyn Lloyd-Jones       

Here is Martyn Lloyd-Jones at his very best. After years of devoted study and experiences of the of the Spirit, he has produced these 66 sermons on the Sermon on the Mount. Most appropriately, his material is homiletical, expositor and devotional, abundant with excellent illustrations and always applied to the life of Christians here and now.

Dr. Wilbur Smith said:

“my opinion, after spending hours in this literature, is that we have in this book the most heart searching of all expositions of the Sermon on the Mount to be published in this century.”

I personally would rate this as one of the finest books I have ever read. It was beyond words … spending 3 months, each day, learning so very much from this book has changed my life. By far the best commentary in the Sermon on the Mount.

COMMENTARY ON MARK Author William Lane

Warren Wiersbe wrote:

“Mark is the perfect Gospel for space-age people on the go. It is the ideal Gospel for busy people who want to discover how to make their lives count for God.”

Mark is the earliest of the Gospel writers and his writing has all the vitality, directness and pace of a 21st century newspaper. Using information supplied by Peter, Mark speaks as if he were an eyewitness of the events that took place.

This is a brilliant commentary on Mark and is part of the “New International Commentaries on the New Testament”. It may well be the foremost study of Mark by an evangelical.

OUR ULTIMATE REFUGE  Author Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chambers, the author of My Utmost for His Highest, offers you unique insights on the books of Job as well as hope and encouragement to those who are in the midst of hurt and suffering. You’ll find that God is not only your ultimate refuge, says the author; He is your only refuge.

Chamber’s honest look at the book of Job uncovers the essence of the issue that has plagued mankind for centuries: “Why do the righteous suffer?” Yes, the problem of pain is an ancient one, yet never more real than when faced by those of us living at the beginning of the twenty-first century. All of our modern comforts, all of today’s myths of self-sufficiency and optimism cannot ease the pain of our fallenness.

Whether read for personal growth and inspiration or used as a basis for group discussion, this thoughtful study of the book of Job in a new updated language edition explains the positive effects pain can produce and brings a new understanding of God’s majesty, goodness, and plan for us.

This book was formerly entitled Baffled to Fight Better. This has been re-printed in a new updated language edition and makes for riveting reading on a very relevant issue.

If you battle to understand JOB, this will be a helpful guide for you to use.

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS AUTHOR DOUGLAS MOO

Paul’s letter to the Romans has been called “the quintessence and perfection of saving doctrine.” Perhaps the most challenging and thoroughly doctrinal book of the entire New Testament, Romans deals with many issues that are basic to Christian theology and practice. In the Epistle to the Romans respected New Testament scholar Douglas Moo provides a superb study of Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians and restates the enduring message of Romans for Christians today.

Originally written for the WYCLIFFE EXEGETICAL COMMENTARY series; this work has been substantially expanded and adapted for the NICNT series; it now treats the entire book of Romans rather than the first half. Based on the English text but brining into the discussion the underlying Greek at every point, this commentary focuses both on theological meaning and on contemporary significance. Moo makes a contribution to the continuing debate regarding Paul’s teaching on such issues as Jewish law and the relationship between the Jews and Gentiles in the people of God. He also critically interacts with “the new perspective on Paul”, highlights Roman’s emphasis on “practical divinity,” and traces the theme of gospel throughout the epistle.

Twelve years in the making, Moo’s Epistle to the Romans will be a new standard in the exposition of Romans for years to come.

“If a student could own but one commentary on Romans, this would be it – now and for a long time to come.” – CRAIG L. BLOMBERG – Denver Seminary

This commentary of 1200 pages was for me one of the most blessed reads of my life. It took me 4 months to slowly work through this amazing book and what I learnt will stay with me for the rest of my life. Truly the FINEST commentary on Romans ever written!

COMMENTARY ON LUKE Author Norval Geldenhuys

For months I have studied LUKE with this brilliant commentary as my guide. It is a commentary in which careful scholarship, practical guidelines, and spiritual insights are combined, which is very rare today.

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said of this book:

“I cannot speak too highly of it, a perfect blend of sound doctrine, learning and scholarship and a devotional spirit. Truly strengthening to faith and stimulating worship.”

I cannot tell you how much I learned from this book and would urge you to get a copy.

HEBREWS Author Ray Stedman

For people beginning to doubt the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ, the author of the book of Hebrews provided one of the longest, most profound arguments in the New Testament. Christians today will find their understanding stretched and their loyalty confirmed by this rich presentation of our great High Priest, the Son of God, whose sacrifice of himself took away our sins and gave us continual access to God.

Written in a fresh, succinct style, this commentary from a leading evangelical pastor supplies helpful background information that paves the way for our seeing what the text means for us today as well as what it meant for its original hearers.

I love books like this!!! A verse by verse, easy to read, commentary written by a pastor – could not get better. If you want an excellent commentary on HEBREWS, this is the one.

UNLOCKING THE BIBLE Author David Pawson

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE as a whole.

Review of the epic story of God’s relationship with his people, Unlocking the Bible gives a real sense of the sweep of biblical history and its implications for our lives.

Unlocking the Bible brings together a lifetime’s worth of insights from David Pawson, widely respected as an international writer and speaker, into the meaning of Bible events and teaching. The culture, historical background and spiritual significance of all the important events are explained, with careful examination of their wider impact, right up to the present day.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get to grips with the Bible as a whole.

In this 1500 page book, you will be taken book by book through all the 66 books of the Bible and the Bible will come alive.

SEARCHING FOR HEAVEN ON EARTH Author Dr. David Jeremiah

“They are the questions that plague us:

Is happiness within my reach?

Why is life so frustrating?

Is it too late for me?”

Or to put it another way: “Where can I find a little heaven on earth?”

History’s most successful man, Solomon, wondered just that. As Dr. David Jeremiah shows us, he was a man who tested life’s haunting questions head-on. And tasted life’s riches full-on. And who found his answers in the last place he thought to look.

Listen, then, to his voice. A voice that, if you pay attention, will speak directly to your flesh and bones and heart. A voice that admits: Maybe happiness is an empty hope. Or maybe we’ve simply been looking in all the wrong places …”

I love David Jeremiah’s books. Here in his exposition of ECCLESIASTES, he shows us the way to happiness. He says:

“This is not only Solomon’s voice: a deeper, quitter, yet more powerful voice breaks through his weariness and desperation. Jesus longs to bless your life with wisdom and bring you to the crest of a hill where you can catch a glimpse of what seems impossible – heaven on earth.”

A brilliant and very relevant book for today, showing us the way to happiness.

STUDIES IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Author Oswald Chambers

In his studies in the “Sermon on the Mount”, Oswald Chambers shows us how to APPLY the teachings of Jesus Christ to our lives today, as he systematically takes us verse by verse through Matthew 5 – 7. In this very challenging book, we are encouraged to know God more intimately, while remaining in the realities of everyday life.

Here is an example of the challenges he brings us:

“Jesus Christ demands of the man who trusts in him the same reckless sporting spirit that the natural man exhibits in his life. If a man is going to do anything worthwhile, there are times when he has to risk everything on a leap, and in the spiritual world Jesus demands that we risk everything we hold by our common-sense and the leap into what he says. Immediately we do, we find that what he says fits on as solidly as our common-sense.”

A book which could change your life forever!  It certainly will rock any lukewarm Christian!!!

SHELTER IN GOD Author Dr. David Jeremiah

According to respected Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah, God is right here. Even in times of chaos. He is right beside you – exactly where He has always been and always will be. He is a fortress we can run to whenever we feel frustrated, uncertain, or afraid, and He will always be enough.

In this deeply personal book, Dr. Jeremiah draws inspiration from the Psalms to reveal God as a refuge during seasons of suffering. As you read, you’ll learn how to shelter in His presence and power.

I love Dr. Jeremiah’s books. In this very moving book, he takes us through 10 Psalms and shows us where we can go when our lives turn upside down. Each chapter is a verse-by-verse exposition of a Psalm – brilliant, relevant and Biblical.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO Author David Jeremiah

In life, we often find ourselves not knowing what to do when faced with trials and temptations. This book is the perfect guide for those uncertain situations. What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do explains how to have the kind of faith that perseveres in persecution, resists temptation, responds obediently to God’s Word, overcomes prejudice, produces good works, controls the tongue, follows God’s wisdom, considers God in all its plans, depends on God rather than wealth, waits patiently for the return of the Lord, and makes prayer, not personal effort, its spiritual resource.

In this brilliant book, Dr. Jeremiah takes us verse by verse through the book of JAMES, and there to glean God’s wisdom on issues such as finances, faith, prejudices and decision making.

I love Dr. Jeremiah’s books and this is another gem.

A FAMILY TREE Author Andrew Stewart

For years I have struggled to teach 1 Chronicles and found it an extremely difficult book to grasp.

The book of Chronicles is an important part of the Old Testament. Originally written as one book. 1 and 2 Chronicles summarize, not only the history of God’s people from the creation of the world until the edict of Cyrus in 538 B.C., but also the theology of the Old Testament – the revelation that God gave of himself at creation, to the patriarchs, through Moses, during the monarchy, exile and restoration.

1 Chronicles takes this narrative up to the establishment of the monarchy under David, culminating in the building of the temple. The underlying message is that of a covenant God who provides salvation for his people, through a Redeemer foreshadowed by the deliverer-kings whom God gave to his people.

But now I found a book which has opened up 1 Chronicles for me. A FAMILY TREE is a fantastic commentary on 1 Chronicles, easy to read, abounding in illustrations and always pointing to Jesus Christ, and is part of the WELWYN Commentaries.

If you struggle with 1 Chronicles here is a book to keep – it’s brilliant and definitely worth selling your bed for.

SAINT PAUL’S EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS Author J B. Lightfoot

Actually, there is no need to point out the excellent qualities of Dr. Lightfoot’s Commentary on Philippians. Bible students everywhere recognize this commentary (complete with Greek text) as a standard work on this pertinent epistle written by the Apostle Paul to the church at Philippi.

Dr Lightfoot points out in his preface that his object was an investigation into the origin of the Christian ministry”.  The results and findings of this careful investigation are clearly and understandably set forth in this scholarly yet highly readable volume.

Dr Wilbur M Smith says of Lightfoot on Philippians, “strictly a commentary on the Greek text, displaying all the massive learning for which Lightfoot was famous. If one wants to get at the real meaning of the Greek words Paul used in this Epistle, he will be compelled always to consult this volume”.

To make it of more use to Bible students whether advanced or beginners, this volume is exhaustively indexed and has helpful marginal notes appended through throughout. It is reprinted in large clear type to make it more readable.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon: the prince of preachers” says of Lightfoot on Philippians: “…. deservedly regarded as a standard work. The more instructed student will appreciate it”.

I loved studying this commentary – it certainly stretched my mind, warmed my heart and enabled me to preach Philippians much better.

THE MESSAGE OF RUTH Author David Atkinson

This is the most brilliant commentary on Ruth I have ever read.

The book of Ruth is a tale of charm and delight. Goethe called it ‘the loveliest complete work on a small scale, handed down to us as an ethical treatise and an idyll.’ Another writes, ‘No poet in the world has written a more beautiful story.’

The book tells about very ordinary people facing very ordinary events. We meet Naomi, who underwent hardship in famine and bereavement but eventually won peace and security. We meet Ruth, a young foreign woman from Moab who attached herself to Boaz, who by marrying Ruth fitted into God’s purposes for history. Both King David and Jesus are numbered among their descendants.

Theologically the story of Ruth is a story about God’s providence. This David Atkinson demonstrates clearly in his passage-by-passage exposition.

A COMMENTARY ON JOHN Author William Hendriksen

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-James wrote these words concerning this commentary:

It is good, therefore, that this commentary on the Gospel according to St. John should now be made available in this country. For myself I have to say that it is the most satisfying commentary that I have ever read on this Gospel. Dr. Hendriksen is acknowledged and recognised as an outstanding New Testament scholar who is thoroughly up-to-date and fully aware of all modern movements of thought. He leaves nothing to be desired in that respect, but as the same time his outlook and teaching are thoroughly Reformed, Conservation and Evangelical.

There is an excellent Introduction, and a peculiarly interesting feature is the way in which he gives a synopsis of the argument of each section. At the same time there is a verse-by-verse commentary, and all bathed in the warm devotional spirit of a Pastor’s heart.

Here is an invaluable aid for all preachers, Sunday school workers and Bible Class leaders, and indeed for all who “desire the sincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby.” All who enter into the riches of this great Gospel under the guidance of
Dr. Hendriksen will find their minds informed, their faith quickened, strengthened and established, and their hearts moved to adoration. At any rate that has been my experience. That is what one is entitled to ask and to expect of any commentary, but alas, it is a desideratum that is but rarely satisfied by modern commentaries.’’

Surely one of the greatest commentaries on John’s Gospel. I loved reading through it and found my mind was informed, my faith was quickened, my heart moved to adoration.

If you have not got a copy, go to your local book store and get a copy, it is magnificent.

COUNT IT ALL JOY Author Dr. David Jeremiah

What if you could have joy no matter what?

The apostle Paul wrote his most personal letter while abandoned in a Roman prison, where he suffered abuse. He wrote to believers who lived in the shadow of the Roman tyrant Nero. And yet this letter, Philippians, is the most joy-filled epistle in the Bible.

Weaving together modern stories and historical details, Dr. David Jeremiah explores Philippians, verse by verse, showing us what it means to be joyful in spite of circumstances. Whatever you are facing today, Count it All Joy will inspire you to find the joy that Jesus promises.

After all these years I have just found a new author I love – David Jeremiah. This verse by verse, contemporary, easy to read, commentary on Philippians was brilliant.

WHY ME GOD (Commentary of Job) Author R.N. Schaper

In his introduction Schaper writes:

“There is a need for a condensed and inexpensive resource for individual and group study of this important book.”

Unhappy, painful things do happen to people who trust God. But if a person trusts God, why does God allow hard times to come to him? What’s the good of trusting God, if it doesn’t keep bad things from happening to you?

Job asked this simple question and he got a simple answer – from his friends. They said that if you’re good, God will bless you with health and prosperity. If you’re not good, God will take away your health and prosperity. Job lost all he had, and he lost his health. Therefore, concluded his friends, Job had plenty to hide that was not good. Maybe you’re not too concerned about riches and health. Maybe you’re more concerned about the suffering in the world or the suffering of a friend, or even your own suffering. Maybe you are asking the same question Job did. “Why me, God? Why, of all people in the world, did You have to let this happen to me?”

Job did finally get his answer – from God Himself. But it wasn’t what he expected. It was better.

If you want to understand Job, here is an easy-to-read commentary which was a huge help to me. A great read….

OPENING UP MATTHEW’S GOSPEL Author Dr. I. Campbell

In Opening up Matthew’s Gospel, Dr Iain D. Campbell does precisely what the title of his latest book suggests with the clarity of a gifted preacher and the care of an able scholar. Dr. Campbell leads the reader through the text of the Gospel, highlighting the most significant theological, historical and literary issues. Along the way, he draws on the insights of recent and older scholarship without allowing the reader to become swamped in technicalities or abstract debate. Concise but accurate exegesis, combined with some memorable expressions, will make this book popular with preachers. Probing questions at the end of each chapter serve to make this an excellent book for small study groups.

I found this book the most brilliant introduction to Matthew’s Gospel I have ever read – it really is gold.

AN EXPOSITION OF THE WHOLE BIBLE (Chapter by Chapter) Author Campbell Morgan

This volume, containing material by G. Campbell Morgan never before published in book form, is the result of an inspired lifetime of reading and meditation of the Word – not just occasionally, but day after day with intensive devotion. Through this method, the “Prince of Expositors” has charted paths that all can follow with ease and fascination.

Thoroughly familiar with the original languages, Dr. Morgan examines the meaning of key words and presents in his uniquely practical, devotional style the central thoughts in every chapter of the Bible. But also, he constantly keeps before the reader the Bible’s message from God to man for the age in which it was written and beyond to the men of every age.

I loved reading this book. Campbell Morgan summarizes every chapter of the Bible in this one volume. As you read it your knowledge of God’s Word will not only deepen but your love for Jesus will mature – definitely worth selling your bed for this book!

COLOSSIANS AND PHILEMON Author Michael Bentley

I love books like this – easy to read, verse by verse exposition of a Bible book.

The Guide is a series with a difference. It gives sound instruction from the Word of God and also has an innovative feature in that it is linked to its own website, www.evangelicalpress.org where questions may be posted, to be answered by a team of experienced, dedicated men. The Guide not only explains the teaching of the Bible clearly and in a straightforward way, but also includes practical tasks, things to think about and questions for discussion and review, making it ideal for use as a resource for a group Bible study or on an individual basis. This is a unique new series!

In this interactive commentary on Colossians and Philemon, Michael Bentley highlights the main themes of these two New Testament letters and gives practical, everyday application to the Christian believer living in the twenty-first Century.

If you want an excellent, readable commentary on Colossians and Philemon, this will be a great read for you.

MATTHEW – EVANGELIST AND TEACHER Author R.T. France

This extended introduction to Matthew surveys some major areas of current interest in the study of the Gospels. It considers the Gospel’s place in the church, from the post-apostolic period to the present day and discusses the setting of the book, with reference to its origin, date, purpose and authorship. It discusses literary character and style and the way in which Matthew presents the teaching of Jesus. Among other topics examined are the concept of “fulfilment” and the relationship between midrash and history. Analysing Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus entails the study not only of Christological titles but also of other categories utilised by the evangelist.

This very detailed introduction to Matthew will be an excellent aid to lecturers and preachers of Matthew, but … many may find it heavy!

THE MESSAGE OF PSALMS 73-150 Author M. Wilcock

Not written in an ivory tower, these The Bible Speaks Today expositions are produced by those whose supreme aim is to study, to live by, and to teach the Word of God.

The book of Psalms, an anthology of songs for God’s people, begins and ends on deceptively simple notes. In Psalm 1 the good prosper and the wicked perish – everything works out just fine. Psalm 10 answers, “Praise the Lord” – things do work out fine. Michael Wilcock understands the perplexity of the Bible reader who says, “Yes, but do they?” The Psalms in between, he points out, provide the context, working their way, often painfully, through all the ‘yes, buts’. They set forth the conflicts, burdens, mysteries and sufferings that God’s people have to cope with. The Psalms explore all that God, as their covenant Lord, does for them on their journey of faith.

Michael Wilcock takes us through each Psalm, long or short, familiar or neglected, revealing in the process the craft and logic of their arrangement. This second volume covers Psalms 73-10.

ROMANS Author Stuart Briscoe

For those pastors preaching each Sunday, Bible study leaders, college students, here is a different kind of commentary. THE COMMUNICATOR’S COMMENTARY combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations.

Stuart Briscoe is a brilliant communicator, a wonderful preacher and a loving pastor which equips him magnificently to write this commentary on the book of ROMANS.

I love books like this; it is worth selling your bed for!

COME WITH ME THROUGH ISAIAH Author David Pawson

The book of Isaiah is the whole Bible in miniature. The first 39 Chapters reflect the themes of the 39 books of the Old Testament and the last 27 chapters prefigure the events of the New, from John the Baptist to the new heaven and earth. Yet the prophet lived and died (horribly) centuries before Jesus was born. A miracle in words!

These studies were first preached by the author to his congregation. Now in print, readers are invited to “come with him through” these marvelous messages, which are as timely as they are timeless.

So, if you want to know more on the book of Isaiah come with David Pawson as he preaches through the book and opens it beautifully for us.

GOD’S NEW SOCIETY Author John Stott

This, in my opinion, is one of Stott’s greatest books. It is part of “The Bible Speaks Today” series and is a commentary on Ephesians. Listen to what he says:

“This vision of a renewed human community has stirred me deeply. At the same time, the realities of lovelessness and sin in so many contemporary Churches are enough to make one weep, for they dishonour Christ, contradict the nature of the Church, and deprive the Christian witness of integrity. Yet increasing numbers of Church members are seeking the Church’s radical renewal. For the sake of the glory of God and the evangelism of the world, nothing is more important than that the Church should be, and should be seen to be God’s new society.”

This book is worth selling your car for … it is amazing.

TEACHING JOHN Author Dick Lucas and William Philip

Preachers find themselves turning to John’s Gospel time and again to proclaim its wonderful message about Jesus. This short book explores the main themes of John’s own teaching. John makes his purpose clear in Chapter 20. The stated intention must guide the exposition of his words today. It shows a way to explore the text so that the preacher may expound the message of John as John intended, he should.

The author expands Chapters 3-6 in detail and you will love it. An excellent book for anyone wanting to teach John.

ISBN-13: 978-1857927900

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