Review: ESV Archaeology Study Bible

Crossway, 2017

Crossway's recent ESV Archaeology Study Bible (2018) is a fantastic resource for those interested in engaging deeper with the Word of God while understanding its historical context. Editors John Currid and David Chapman have carefully constructed a study Bible which contains scholarly insights for spiritual application. With contributions from leading biblical scholars and archaeologists, the ESV Archaeology Study Bible contains thousands of study notes, full-color maps and illustrations of archaeological finds, book introductions, and sidebars.

The purpose of this study Bible is to envelop the reader in the biblical world. Understanding the historical-cultural context of Scripture is a valuable asset in hermeneutics, understanding that God chose to speak to a specific people in a specific time through specific means. While his theological message remains, the cultural nuances vary—this is why study of archaeology becomes important. This study Bible allows readers to begin to grasp how the original readers understood their Scripture and how that translates into our reading of it today.

The Bible itself is a handsome, hard-cover book with an embossed design on the spine and cover. The inside is equally attractive, with generously sized type and a non-cluttered layout. The maps and archaeological images interspersed in the text allows one reading about an ancient culture to visualize it, making it real and alive. This Bible also contains an introduction to biblical archaeology, a glossary of archaeological terms and finds, a bibliography, indices to easily find maps and illustrations, and an ESV concordance.

Clearly, this Bible represents the highest level of archaeological scholarship while remaining accessible to laypersons. Biblical scholars, seminarians, and laity interested in discovering more of the biblical world will greatly benefit from this resource. It can become a valuable tool in exegesis, preaching, teaching, and personal devotion.

(My thanks is given to Crossway for providing a complimentary review copy in exchange for an honest review.)

Comments

Product Review: LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle

Overview When adventure strikes, the right bag makes all the difference. Too often, however, luggage bags are either large, ponderous suitcases or small, flimsy duffle bags. I have traveled to Central and South America multiple times with terribly large suitcases. It added extra complication to my trip—especially lugging the bag up the steps! This is the problem which LL Bean seeks to rectify in the LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle. With a 137-liter capacity, this duffel is able to hold the items of the biggest pack-rat while being easy to transport. It features a telescoping handle, smooth-gliding wheels, and cinch straps. Specifications Capacity: Approx. 8,350 cu. in., 137 L. Weight: 9 lb. 3 oz. Dimensions: 17"H x 34"W x 15"D. Highlights This bag is sturdy. Not only is it capable of holding many items, but it is incredibly durable. It has a reinforced nylon bottom and a thick plastic frame so that the bag does not sag or become weak.

Review: The Way of Worship

In The Way of Worship , respected worship leaders and teachers Michael Neale and Vernon Whaley present an introduction to thinking about worship leadership. This book is divided into two parts, Precepts and Practices. Each chapter includes an analogy of leading worship alongside a river journey, biblical application, and practical wisdom. These chapters are readable, offering brief vignettes into worship ministry. To be sure, this is not a book on the specifics of leading worship. You will not learn how to plan a service or how to lead rehearsals, but this book lays the theological and spiritual foundations for worship leadership. This book is more like a devotional that seeks to grow the soul of the worship leader. The subtitle of “living and leading authentic worship” should be understood as living a Christ-like life of worship rather than “planning and executing authentic worship services.” The student workbook includes helpful reflection questions. While this should not be consider

Review: The Four Pages of the Sermon, Revised and Updated

Paul Scott Wilson's celebrated preaching text, The Four Pages of the Sermon (Abingdon, 2018) is now available in a revised and updated edition, with additions that reflect advancements in homiletical scholarship and cultural dynamics. First published in 1999, Wilson challenged the New Homiletic movement to emphasize God's gracious activity within the text and to let it saturate the entirety of the sermon—not to use the Gospel as a tantalizing treat at the end of a well-crafted plot. Today, this text stands as one of the most respected and accessible works for preachers at all stages in their ministry. Wilson argues that there are four main moves, or "pages," in a sermon: the problem in the text, the problem in the world, the grace in the text, and the grace in the world. Like Eugene Lowry's "homiletical plot," Wilson's sermon upsets the listener by exposing a human need and then moves toward resolution through the power of the Gospel. These page

Leitourgia

Search This Blog