Doctrine / Theology
THE TEMPLE AND THE CHURCH’S MISSION Author G.K. Beale
This is another magnificent book in the “New Studies in Biblical Theology.”
“In this comprehensive study, Gregory Beale argues that the Old Testament tabernacle and temples were symbolically designed to point to the end-time reality that God’s presence, formerly limited to the holy of holies, was to be extended throughout the whole cosmos. Hence, John’s vision in Revelation 21 is best understood as picturing the new heavens and earth as the eschatological temple.
This stimulating exposition traces the theme of the tabernacle and temple along the Bible’s story-line, also illuminating many texts and closely related themes. It shows how the significance and symbolism of the temple can be better understood in the light of contrasts to and similarities with Ancient Near Eastern assumptions, and offers new insights into the meaning of the temple in both Old and New Testaments.”
Not easy reading but brilliant showing how in the O.T. the sacrifices / temple / kings / priests / find their most literal and true meaning and fulfilment in Christ.
A truly magnificent study, showing us how to understand the O.T.
DOMINION AND DYNASTY Author S. Dempster
Some years ago, I was introduced to this series, “New Studies in Biblical Theology” and I cannot tell you how much I have learned from these books. This book “Dominion and Dynasty” is one of the series.
“Christian theologians rarely study the Old Testament in its final Hebrew canonical form, even though this was very likely the Bible used by Jesus and the early church. However, once read as a whole, the larger structure of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) provides a “wide-angle lens” through which its contents can be viewed. In this stimulating New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, Stephen G. Dempster argues that, despite its undoubted literary diversity, the Hebrew Bible possesses a remarkable structural and conceptual unity. The many texts contribute to this larger text, and find their meaning and significance within its story of “dominion and dynasty,” which ranges from Adam to the Son of Man, from David to the coming Davidic king.”
D.A. Carson wrote
“Dempster’s reading of the storyline of the O.T. is fresh, provocative, helpful and doubtless will prove to be the stuff of many sermons.”
Not easy reading, but truly magnificent.
THE EVERLASTING GOD Author – Dr. B. Knox
Here is a character study of God in the Old and New Testaments. Our God is unchanging, the “I am” of yesterday, today and tomorrow. In this book Dr. Knox examines the person of God, His wisdom, mercy, goodness through the ages, and His everlasting character. He also discusses issues like predestination and the authority of the Bible.
Dr. Knox begins with these words:
“The doctrine of God is of the utmost importance, for it controls the whole of life.”
Read this powerful book and grow in your knowledge and love of God – it will change your life!!!
PREFACE TO PASTORAL THEOLOGY Author S. Hiltner
What is pastoral theology? How important is it? To whom?
Dr. Hiltner’s answer is, “It is the thesis of this book that pastoral theology is a formal branch of theology resulting from study of Christian shepherding. That it is just as important as biblical or doctrinal or historical theology, and that it is no less the concern of the minister of the local church than of the specialist.”
Each of the three perspectives from which pastoral work may be viewed-shepherding, organising, and communicating is, Dr. Hiltner says, the basis of a theology. Here he is concerned with the theory and ministry of shepherding: its meaning, its importance, and its theological content. The study concludes with brief, suggestive essays on the cognate disciplines of organising and communicating.
As in his other books, Dr. Hiltner has provided illuminating material from case studies. Here he makes extensive use of the published journals of the Rev. Ichabod Spencer, a 19th-century Presbyterian pastor, who kept detailed records of his pastoral interviews.
DEUTERONOMY Author J G McConville
In this very deep, thorough and heavy commentary, Gordon McConville offers a theological interpretation of Deuteronomy in the context of the Biblical canon. He gives careful attention to historical issues where there bear on what can be known about the setting in which the text emerged. He will show us, that Deuteronomy, in the content of the ancient world, was a radical blueprint for the life of a people, at the same time spiritual and political, and running counter to every other social, political-religious programme.
Here is evangelical scholarship at its very best and for all lecturers and preachers this commentary will be a great toolno
LECTURES TO MY STUDENTS Author C H Spurgeon
This is must reading for any preacher. It is our text book for PASTORALIA for our 3rd years, a book they must devour before heading out from KMBC. I so enjoyed reading it for the 3rd time….. it is out of this world!
Here the wit and wisdom of Spurgeon are seen at their best. To Spurgeon’s students the great event of the week was his Friday afternoon Lecture. These lectures when published became instantly popular, and in the course of two generations have had a great and well-deserved circulation. Ministers, theological students, and lay preachers of all denominations have found in them a treasury of instruction and never-failing delight. No man who feels himself called to preach the Gospel can afford to neglect a work widely acknowledged to be in the very forefront of literature concerned with preaching.
The present edition contains the entire contents of Lectures Series 1, and a selection from Lectures Series 2 and 3, omitting some of those which are no longer of value to the preacher and student of today.
“The world today still knows of Charles Spurgeon as one of the greatest preachers of all times, and if we want a clue to the secret of his success then we cannot do better than study his present comprehensive volume of his Friday afternoon Lectures to his student on the art of preaching”.
Dr. Chas T Cook in The Christian
HANDBOOK OF THEOLIGICAL EDUCATION IN AFRICA
This massive tome of 1200 pages is surely to become required reading for anyone interested in Theological Education in Africa.
This book:
- Is inter-denominational – bringing perspectives from all Christian tradition.
- Broad in geographical extension- collects voices from across the whole of Africa.
- Life centred and ecological in orientation – covering all aspects from history to curriculums to finances.
- Grounded in expertise drawing on leading African theologians – an African theological handbook.
It is a wakeup call for African Churches to give proper prominence to theological education institutions and their programmes. You will read of theologians from many different traditions but all of which urge us to take seriously theological education in Africa.
Andre Karamoya wrote:
‘This is a timely gift of the Church in Africa to the Worldwide Church.’
THE CHRISTIAN FAITH Author Michael Horton
The Christian Faith is written for a growing cast of pilgrims making their way together and will be especially welcome by professors, pastors, students and armchair theologians. Its features include:
- A synopsis of Biblical passages that inform a particular doctrine.
- Surveys of past and current theologies with contemporary emphasis on exegetical, philosophical, practical and theological questions.
- Substantial interaction with various Christian movements within the Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
- Charts, diagrams and question for discussion.
Bryan Chapel said:
“This book is one of the most significant voices to be heard in framing a systematic theology for this generation of the Reformed movement.”
A 1000 page systematic theology, which is Biblical and reverent, historical and contemporary, learned but accessible.
A MAN’S GUIDE TO WORK Author Patrick Morely
You’ll spend more than half your waking hours at work. Here is a promise to make it more than just your job.
Let’s face it; most of us don’t really know how to live out our faith on the job. We have a pretty good idea of how our relationship with God impacts us spiritually, but we’re vague on what it means to walk with Christ when it comes to work and career. The transition from Sunday to Monday is fraught with questions – and perils. But it doesn’t have to be that way. This practical book unfolds a surprising story about God’s plan for you at work – a plan to “ordain” you for whatever you do from Monday to Friday.
In a “Man’s Guide to Work”, Patrick Morley lays out a “theology for work” to help you turn your working life into a spiritual adventure.
With chapters devoted to “soft topics” like integrity and prayer and chapters devoted to “hard topics” like money and job performance, Morely demonstrates how to overhaul your entire outlook on your job.
A brilliant book, a wonderful “theology for work”.
INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE Author Millard Ericson
This outstanding book is an abridgement of Erickson’s classis CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY and gives a brilliant overview of the doctrine of revelation, God, creation, providence, humanity, sin, Jesus Christ, atonement, salvation, the Church and eschatology.
Clearly written and well outlined, this book will serve as an excellent Bible College textbook as well as a brilliant tool for every Christian.
A book truly worth selling your bed for.
FOR THE FAME OF GOD’S NAME
This brilliant book is written by different scholars in honour of John Piper – it is absolutely magnificent,
Mark Noel writes:
“It would be strange if a book that honours a dynamic, intelligent, pious God-centered, learned, kind, devoted, influential, far-travelled, widely published, and hyper-conscious pastor like John Piper did not occasionally slip into hagiography. And this book does, but only occasionally. Far more, its authors offer the best sort of tribute by seriously engaging the Scriptures to which Piper is committed, earnestly expounding the classic Calvinistic doctrines into which Piper has breathed such life, and zealously promoting the glory of God to which Piper has devoted his ministry. Here is a volume full of thoughtful reflections on central scriptural themes, Jonathan Edwards, the life of prayer. Christ-honouring hedonism, and more. In the end, it is a tribute that, by stressing the themes John Piper has stressed, draws attention away from him to God.”
If you enjoy reading Piper, then this book is a “must read”.
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY Author Wayne Grudem
This amazing textbook on Systematic Theology is worth selling your house for … it is phenomenal.
Each Chapter begins with a clear definition of the doctrine under consideration and moves on to a thorough exposition of its basis in Scripture.
Then fellow questions for personal application which help to bring out the relevance of the doctrine to the individual and the Church and finally a hymn suitable for corporate use or personal meditation. In this way he demonstrates how important biblical doctrine is, both for the health of the individual and for the well-being of the Church at large. So if you want a textbook on all the doctrines, answers for all your theological questions, then this book is for you. I loved reading slowly through it.
Dr. Packer wrote: “if you were hoping to find a student’s text book of theology that seeks your spiritual no less than your intellectual formation, rejoice. Wayne Grudem has written exactly what you wanted …”
1280 pages of pure gold – buy it for yourself and one for your pastor.
THE DOCTRINE OF ENDLESS PUNISHMENT Author W.G.T. Shedd
The doctrine of hell, or endless punishment of sinners is so solemn that man’s natural instinct is either to ignore it or deny it. From time to time in the history of the Church it comes under concerted attack, as it did during the life of W.G.T. Shedd.
In this brilliant book, Shedd carefully expounds the Biblical teaching on divine judgment, hell and eternity and he deals with it carefully.
This book will have a profoundly sobering effect on its readers, but its lasting impression will be to cause a new concern and compassion for those who are lost and without Christ and heading for an eternity in hell.
Hudson Taylor once wrote:
“would that God may make HELL so real to us that we cannot rest,
HEAVEN so real that we must have men there,
CHRIST so real that our supreme motive and aim shall be to make the Man of Sorrows the Man of joy by the conversion of many.”
A book you must read … it will fire you up.
IS JESUS CHRIST UNIQUE Author Dr. Louw Alberts
For many of us in the 1970’s and 80’s “Oom Louw” was not only one of the leading scientists in the world and the president of Y.F. C. for over 25 years, but he was to us our spiritual father and beloved preacher. This book brought back so many wonderful memories of his teaching. This wonderful book brings us back to the fundamental truths of the Bible where Jesus emphatically declared:
“I am the way, the truth and the life,
No man comes to the Father but by Me.”
But can this declaration hold its ground in our secular, materialistic and pluralistic society? Read this book … it is fantastic.
RESISTANCE THEOLOGY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT Author Gunther Wittenberg
The essays in this collection were all written with one exception, during the last years of the apartheid era. They try to show that in ancient Israel resistance to oppressive state power led to some of Israel’s deepest theological insights. Careful analysis of relevant documents in their socio-historical contents reveal their significance even for today. Sadly, not written from an evangelical standpoint, this book will be of interest to all Old Testament scholars.
THE THEOLOGY OF MARTIN LUTHER Author Paul Althaus
This is am amazing book! It is a comprehensive and systematic survey of Martin Luther’s entire thought by an internationally recognized authority in the field of Reformation research. The main theological questions, which engage Luther’s attention, are set forth in clear and simple fashion along with 100’s of quotations from Luther’s own writing. He covers the questions of the authority of Scripture, the relationship between faith and reason, creation, man, Jesus Christ, the Trinity, law and Gospels, the Church, the sacraments and eschatology.
For those wanting to be stretched this is a brilliant and detailed record of the theology of Martin Luther.
KARL BARTH / RUDOLF BULTMANN LETTERS Edited by G. Bromiley
Containing all the available letters and postcards exchanged by Karl Barth and Rudolph Bultmann over a period of 44 years (1922 – 1966), this collection in many respects exceeds secondary volumes on the theology of Barth and Bultmann in its direct treatment of the central themes of Christian theology and practice. The text is supplemented by biographical and literacy notes as well as 40 other letters, cards and autobiographical sketches. As you read these letters, you will see what seems to be an initial solidarity gradually eroding until it is finally replaced by a rift particularly over Bultmann’s controversial existential theology. Finally recognizing the impossibility of agreement, Barth good-humouredly compared their debate to the encounter of a whale and an elephant.
Leonard Goss wrote:
“it ought to be sifted and savoured by both scholars and laypeople interested in further understanding this truly eminent figure (of Karl Barth).
GOSPEL FERMENT IN MALAWI – THEOLOGICAL ESSAY Author K. Ross
The essays presented in this book are a plea for relevancy and contextually in Christian praxis and theological reflection in Malawi, indeed in Africa as a whole. There is a profound concern for the translation of the Gospel of Christ in such a manner that it empowers the people to transform their society by living out the Gospel message. The case of Malawi clearly shows that the Church in Africa may be the only sign of hope in the midst of all the suffering, genocides and human rights violations.
These essays are both thought provoking and challenging.