Does Jesus Contradict the Old Testament on Polygamy?

| Wed, August 21, 2019 | biblical studies, Books, Featured, Lexham Publishing, Products 2

By David Instone-Brewer, adapted from the forthcoming Moral Questions of the Bible: Timeless Truth in a Changing World (Lexham Press, 2019).

Jesus used the same Old Testament text to teach monogamy as used by the Jews of the diaspora and at Qumran. Polygamy had been useful in times of war for childless widows, but now it was causing hardship. [Read more…]

What This Little-Known Social Theory Has to Do with Your Sermons

| Sat, August 17, 2019 | Bible Study, biblical studies, Books, Preaching 1

By Jeffrey Arthurs, adapted from Preaching Points: 55 Tips for Improving Your Pulpit Ministry.

Remember ERP: Estimated Relationship Potential. This is a social science theory from the field of interpersonal communication which demonstrates that when we meet someone we quickly form an estimate of the potential for a relationship. We start to calculate: What kind of relationship is possible here? What will the nature of our relationship be? Will it be a romantic relationship? Will it be an authoritative relationship? Maybe I want to avoid this person. [Read more…]

Intentionally Not Verse by Verse: Why the Paideia Commentary Goes by Pericope

| Wed, August 14, 2019 | Books, Products, Sales 0

Breeze through the Paideia commentary series description and you might miss its distinguishing mark:

The Paideia: Commentaries on the New Testament approaches each text in its final, canonical form, proceeding by sense units (pericopes) rather than word by word or verse by verse. Thus, each commentary follows the original train of thought as indicated by the author instead of modern artificial distinctions. (Emphasis mine) [Read more…]

Marxism and Biblical Theology Aren’t Synonyms

| Fri, August 9, 2019 | Articles, biblical studies, Books 11

I’m a biblical scholar by training, but what most people don’t realize is that I’m also a political junkie. My undergraduate degree is actually in History and Political Science. Since one of my graduate degrees is in history (albeit ancient history), I was able to teach western civilization at the college level to help support myself through graduate school. I’ve also taught US History at a local community college. But while my interest in political discourse is high, I also have to confess to being an American political atheist—I don’t put my faith in any political party. The answer to the nation’s problems—to those plaguing a beleaguered world—is the kingdom of God, not a kingdom made by human hands, even American ones. [Read more…]

Free Book: God’s Kingdom through God’s Covenants

| Thu, August 1, 2019 | Books, Products

It’s August 1, and that means the new free book of the month is here!

August’s free book is God’s Kingdom through God’s Covenants: A Concise Biblical Theology by Peter J. Gentry and Stephen J. Wellum.  [Read more…]

Finding the Gospel in Stranger Things

| Wed, July 31, 2019 | Books, Products

Even if you haven’t watched it, you have probably heard of Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things. 

The show has been growing in popularity and viewership since Netflix released season one in July 2016. Within four days of season three’s release, over 40 million households had started it, and over 18 million had finished all eight (hour-long) episodes.1 [Read more…]

The Top-Ranked Bible Commentaries, All on Sale

| Wed, July 31, 2019 | Bible Study, biblical studies, Books, Logos 8, Products

Take up to 50% off the highest rated commentaries.

Whether it’s Carson’s John commentary or Waltke’s superb work on Proverbs, right now you can save on the top commentaries for literally every book of the Bible.  [Read more…]

Free Book: Tom Schreiner’s Esteemed Work on Pauline Theology

| Mon, July 29, 2019 | Books, Products

Get July’s free book while you can. This month it’s Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology by renowned scholar Thomas Schreiner. 

You can also get two other books for $2 and $3, respectively. I’m particularly interested in deSilva’s book on New Testament kinship culture, Honor, Patronage, Kinship and Purity.  [Read more…]

Why Haddon Robinson Says Less Is More in Preaching

| Sat, July 27, 2019 | Bible Study, Books, Preaching, Products

By Haddon Robinson, adapted from Preaching Points: 55 Tips for Improving Your Pulpit Ministry.

There is an old story that preachers tell: A man came to church one Sunday and the only person who was there, besides himself, was the preacher. The preacher was hesitant to preach his sermon to one man sitting in the front row, but the man said, “Look, I came to church and I expect that you preach. I need to be fed.” So the preacher got up and preached his sermon and he got caught up in the moment.  [Read more…]

A Posture Toward Evil: The Christian Experience as Seen in Stranger Things

| Fri, July 26, 2019 | biblical studies, Books, Products

Editor’s note: The following is adapted from Michael Heiser’s new video series, The World Turned Upside Down, which examines gospel truths illustrated in the TV show Stranger Things. At times in the excerpt and video, Mike references chapters in his forthcoming book, also called The World Turned Upside Down. You can pre-order the book now and get the video series with it.  [Read more…]