BIBLE STUDY, p. 3
Authors L to P and abstracts
(For resources with no author and authors A to B, click here. For resources with authors C to K, click here.)
Abstracts follow the author list; click on the dots at right to navigate down the page.
Landis, Benson Y.
Leadingham, Everett
Limburg, James
Link, Mark
Lucado, Max
Lucas, Jeff
Malone, Peter; and Pacatte, Rose
Malseed, John
Mann, C. S.
Marsh, John
Martin, Ralph
Mathewes-Green, Frederica
Matthews, Victor H.
Matthews, W. R.
Miller, Patrick D.
Miller, Robert J.
Minkoff, Harvey
Morrissey, Kirkie
Mowbray, A. R.
Moyers, Bill
Murphy, Frederick J.
Murray, Don
Neill, Stephen
Newsom, Carol A.
Niebuhr, H. Richard
Norquist, Marilyn
Nutter, Betty Jean
Oden, Amy G.
O’Driscoll, Herbert
Oertli, Ron
O’Murchu, Diarmuid
Ortland, Raymond C.
Padgett, Alan G.
Pagels, Elaine
Papineau, André
Parsons, Michael C.
Pate, C. Marvin
Paterson, John
Phillips, J. B.
Porter, Stephen E.
Purdum, Stan
Lan BS080
An Outline of the Bible, Book by Book
— 1963 186 p.
Landis, Benson Y.
An Outline of the Bible Book by Book was prepared as an aid to understanding for both students and general readers. It includes for each book of the King James Version: (1) a summary of contents and (2) information on authorship, historical background and literary style. There is also an abbreviated chronology, situating each book within its historical timeframe, and a helpful glossary defining many Biblical terms. On a number of controversial points the different theories have been noted, with the evidence adduced for them.
Lea BS278
Success! Character Studies from the Bible (The Dialog Series)
Beacon Hill Press 2001 127 SC
Leadingham, Everett, ed.
Discover the difference between a self centred and a Christ centred, success filled life. This book helps the reader gain new insights into how the Bible addresses the issue of success, by looking into the lives of people such as Job, Daniel, Jesus and others. This is a life related study for small groups or personal discovery. Each text in the series consists of 13 chapters written by a variety of well qualified and thought provoking Christian thinkers. The focus is on interaction and dialogue.
Lim BS160
Encountering Ecclesiastes: A Book for Our Time
William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 2006 141 p. SC
Limburg, James
The book of Ecclesiastes speaks eloquently to the uncertainties and anxieties that people have experienced through the centuries. The author brings this ancient book to life for reades in these probing, questioning, 21st century times. He illuminates the contemporary existential themes in Ecclesiastes — the quest for meaning in life, the incompleteness of our knowledge, the place of work in human lives, and the need to discover God amid life’s uncertainties.
Lin BS079
The Seventh Trumpet: The Good News Proclaimed
— — —
Link, Mark S. J.
The Seventh Trumpet divides Jesus’ life on earth into four periods: Pre-ministry, Galilean Ministry I and Galilean Ministry II, and Jerusalem Ministry. Drawing on a wide variety of ancient sources, biblical passages and citations, ancient chroniclers and modern commentators, photographs and illustrations, maps, charts and diagrams, it provides a unique presentation of the gospel story. Quotations from poetry and novels, sidebars on archaeological discoveries, meditations, dramatizations, and excursions into fascinating byways related to the gospel, all contribute to an endlessly engaging picture of the historical background, original teaching, and ultimate meaning of the good news proclaimed by Jesus.
Luc BS163
Revelation – Life Lessons
Nelson Impact (Thomas Nelson Publishers) 2007 119 p. SC
Lucado, Max
While in exile, the apostle John experienced an amazing vision that gave him a glimpse of heaven, and the final battle of good and evil. This book brings the Book of Revelation to life in 12 lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational storytelling, and profound reflections, sitable for small groups and individuals.
Luc BS269 BOOKLET
Exodus: Mission of God (8) [Spring Harvest Bible Studies]
Authentic Lifestyle/Authentic Media (Paternoster Publishing) 2003 64 p. SC
Lucas, Jeff, series ed.; Baker, Jenny, author
This book takes the first 20 chapters of Exodus and examines eight of the themes of mission – passion, mercy, freedom, salvtion, justice, hope, worship and community. It shows how mission is God’s big idea, and challenges Christians to get involved in what God is doing. Specifically designed for housegroups, this workbook is also suitable for individual use. Each of the eight sessions contains aims, Bible passages to study, carefully developed questions and activities, discussion ideas, worship suggestion, ideas for further study, and a full leaders’ guide.
MacK BS326 BOOKLET
The Power and the Glory: Studies in Discipleship (2nd Edition)
Hignell Book Printing 2006 61 p. SC
MacKenzie, Sheldon R.
This booklet contains three studies based on the Gospel of Mark that were the basis for addresses given at a Presbyterian Pre-Assembly Congress at the University of Guelph. The Congress brought together church members of all ages to participate in lectures, drama, Bible study and fellowship. Study number one is “A Matter of Discipleship” based on Mark 8: 27-38; study number two is “Status and Service” based on Mark 9: 30-37; and study number three, “The Meaning of Discipleship and The Meaning of Jesus,” is based on Mark 10: 32-44.
Mal BS115
An Overview of the New Testament
—-
Malseed, John
An Overview of the New Testament contains a one-page synopsis and “blueprint” for every chapter in the New Testament. Each blueprint begins with easy-to-follow Scripture divisions that are summed up with challenging self-examination and thought-provoking study questions. The study questions are designed to encourage readers to open their Bibles to find God’s truths. Prayer and praise points allow time for quiet contemplation and application of the lesson. Each section and series of questions has the following purposes:
• To help motivate students of the Bible by making their study easier
• To help make the Scripture relevant to daily life
• To challenge the user to learn the great doctrines of the Bible by searching other Scriptures.
The aim of this book is to open up the Word of God. The questions asked are just the tool for understanding; the answers are where the rubber meets the road.
Mal BS428
Lights, Camera . . . Faith!
A Movie Lover’s Guide to Scripture
Pauline Books & Media 2001 393 p. SC
Malone, Peter; and Pacatte, Rose
Here is a thought-provoking passage into the world of the Gospels through popular film. By exploring 72 movies in the light of the Sunday Scriptures, the authors create a dialogue between Scripture and film, engaging faith through culture and culture through faith. Insight, inspiration and information meet in this valuable resource for anyone who appreciates deeper meaning in movies. Homilists, parish discussion groups, young adult groups film educators and professionals will all find rich resources here.
Man BS072
The Man for All Time
Morehouse-Barlow 1971 128 p.
Mann, C. S.
A renowned biblical scholar cuts through sentimental, uninformed mythology to help us understand what the gospels meant to early Christians. Modern archaeology and newly discovered scriptural documents, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, have led to rich and often surprising insights about the life of Jesus. A leader’s guide, Man BS073, is available for those wishing to use the book for group study.
Man BS073 BOOKLET
The Man for All Time – Leader’s Guide
— 1971 46 p.
Mann, C. S.
Here is the leader’s guide for those who wish to use C. S. Man’s book, Man BS072, for group study. Learn what the gospels meant to early Christians, and what modern archaeology and newly discovered scriptural documents, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, have to say about the life of Jesus.
Man BS095
The Message Delivered
— 1973 121 p.
Mann, C. S.
Built around the Acts of the Apostles, this presents a study of the organization and growth of the young community which was to become known as the church. Utilizing the most up-to-date scholarship of his day, C.S. Mann tells of the people involved, describes colorfully the places to which Peter and Paul and their fellow evangelists traveled to establish Christian communities, and recounts the trials and tribulations experienced by these men in their effort to deliver the message.
Mar BS074 BOOKLET
Saints Together – Leader’s Manual
— 1984 47 p. illus.
Marsh, John
Here is a nine-week course that considers the Bible’s teaching on the nature of life and service within the Christian fellowship. It can be used with Mar BS075, and is designed for use by prayer groups, house meetings, Lenten course sessions, etc., and it is adaptable for Christians of all denominations.
Mar BS075 BOOKLET
Saints Together – Link-work Booklet
— 1984 39 p. illus.
Marsh, John
This booklet can be used with Mar BS074 to prepare a nine-week course that considers the nature of life and service withing the Christian fellowship. It can be used with a variety of groups and is adaptable for all Christian denominations.
Mar BS159
Saint John
Penguin Books Ltd. 1968 700 p. SC
Marsh, John
In this Bible commentary, the author, a Congregationalist theologian, interprets the manifold problems of the Fourth Gospel to the modern reader.. In examining John’s conception of “history,” he takes a look at both the similarities and notable differences between this record and that of the synoptic gospels. He locates John’s central purpose as enshrining, for a wide circle of readers, the living Word of God.
Mar BS395
Mark, Evangelist and Theologian
Zondervan Publishing House 1972 240p. SC
Martin, Ralph
This book discusses such topics as: Why Mark’s record is called a gospel; the term gospel and its shades of meaning; Mark as Matthew’s follower; traditional views of setting; the pertinent theories of recent theologians and biblical scholars; opposition of heretical Christological beliefs; the place of the Markan historical Jesus in the post-Pauline experience and contemporary criticism in Church life; Mark’s missionary motifs; and message for the Church—then and now.
Mat BS060
The Lost Gospel of Mary: The Mother of Jesus in Three Ancient Texts
Paraclete Press 2007
Mathewes-Green, Frederica
Taking the reader right to the core of Christian faith, the author offers a glimpse of Christian faith almost two thousand years ago. Looking at three ancient texts, she explores the historic background and theological and cultural questions that the documents raise. The Gospel of Mary is a humbly told story of the Virgin’s life from her conception to the birth of Jesus, put into written form as early as 150 AD. The second text is a brief prayer to Mary found in Egypt on a scrap of papyrus and dated to the following century. The third text, “The Annunciation Hymn,” was written by the Syrian poet Romanos in about 520 AD, and is considered one of the finest examples of Eastern Christian poetry. This graceful hymn is still sung in Eastern Orthodox churches throughout the world today. Warmly devout, historically detailed, and rich with spiritual applications for today, the fruit of Frederica Mathewes-Green’s careful study is an intimate glimpse of the remarkable mother of our Lord.
Mat BS249
Manners & Customs in the Bible: An Illustrated Guide to Daily Life in Bible Times
Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. 2006 256 p. HC
Matthews, Victor H.
Countless questions emerge when you read the Bible. Now fully updated with new colour photos, images, and enhanced features, this popular resource will help readers gain invaluable background information on the Bible’s culture, its people, and how they lived. Each cahpter furnishes an introduction to the historical, political, and physical setting of five basic periods in Israel’s history. Drawing from clues in the biblical text, archaeological discovereies, and contemporary documents, the author opens up both difficult and overly familiar passages of Scripture, explaining cultural practices, religious tensions, and apparent contradictions in the Bible.
Mat BS396
The Lord’s Prayer: An Exposition for today by the Dean of St. Paul’s
Hodder and Stoughton 1958 59 p. SC
Matthews, W. R.
Worship is not an eccentric activity, but natural and human. In some sense all people worship, but not all people worship God. True worship combines fear, admiration and love. Worship in spirit and in truth is the Christian aim. The desire to pray may be dormant, but many who never consciously pray at moments of crisis or difficulty reach out for help without knowing to whom. The transition from unconscious to conscious prayer is a decisive step though it may be slow. The book consists of very short essays on the Lord’s Prayer, line by line.
Mil BS106
Falling Into Faith: Lectio Divina Series, Cycle C
— 2000 — p.
Miller, Robert J.
Father Miller breaks open the deeper meaning of the Bible and helps us apply it to our daily lives. Using the regular rhythm of the liturgical year as a guideline, his poetry is
based on the timeless wisdom of the Scriptures and contemporary pastoral theology.
Mil BS234
Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Esther
Abingdon Press 2005 177 p. SC
Miller, Patrick D., general ed.; and Day, Linda M.
In this commentary, the author addresses both perennial and contemporary concerns pertinent to the book of Esther. Attention is given to literary, liguistic, and thematic features of the biblical text. The book is considered with an eye to concerns of gender and ethnicity, as well as the theological concerns raised by divine absence in the story. In this commentary, Esther emerges from the carnival atmosphere of Purim with its humorous portrait of the Persian court into the light of modern times.
Mil BS236
Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1 – 72
Abingdon Press 2002 338 p. SC
Miller, Patrick D., general ed.; and Clifford, Richard J.
This commentary helps a modern “pray-er” of the psalms to understand the connections of each psalm to the rest of the Bible and to discern how the great theological themes of covenant, divine mercy and justice, and human response play out through the psalms in prayer. It gives attention to Christian and Jewish reception of the psalms and seeks to resolve such troubling ethical issues as the ethnocentrism, hatred of enemies, and expressions of revenge that do occur in them. While interacting with classic and contemporary commentaries as it provides literary, theological, and ethical analysis of each psalm, this work distinctively seeks to make the psalms available as a true book of prayer for contemporary believers.
Mil BS247
Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries:
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah
Abingdon Press 2005 349 p. SC
Miller, Patrick D., general ed.; and Simundson, Daniel J.
Informed by up to date scholarship and exhibiting a surefooted instinct for the contemporary relevance of the texts, the author provides a fresh reading of these prophets that is clearly and convincingly written. Issues are discussed in light of contemporary issues, including the ecological, theological and ethical importance of these writings for today. The book concludes with a useful annotated bibliography.
Min BS361 (missing)
The Book of Heaven
Testament Books 2001 182p. HC
Minkoff, Harvey
Heaven: is it a place? an idea? What does it look like and how do we get there? What does the Bible tell us? This book can form the basis for a series of Bible Study sessions that look at these and other questions.
Mor BS114
At Jesus’ Feet: Learning to Draw Near~A Bible Study for Women Based on the
Story of Mary and Martha
NavPress 2000 108 p. SC
Morrissey, Kirkie
Multiple appointments, trips to the grocery store, phone calls, kids’ games, and work projects all make it difficult to sit down and listen to anything or anyone. If you’re caught up in the frenetic pace of life, take a little time out. Sit At Jesus’ Feet and rediscover what it takes to become more like Jesus, to draw on His resources, and to be infused with His life. The author helps the reader quiet the heart through a step-by-step guide to contemplative Bible reading, journaling, and personal interaction with God. Along with Scripture study and stories from the author’s own spiritual journey, there are quotes from historic Christians and questions for reflection.
Mow BS202
Mowbray’s Mini-commentary 1: Matthew, Mark, Luke and Acts
A. R. Mowbray & Co. Ltd. 1968 59 p. SC
Slack, Kenneth.
This is the first in a series of twelve short commentaries based on the Jerusalem Bible. It may be used with any of the translations in use at the time of writing. The commentaries aren’t intended to be detailed expositions, but to offer ‘guideposts’ for discussion and study.
Mow BS203
Mowbray’s Mini-commentary 2: John, Johannine Epistles and Revelation
A. R. Mowbray & Co. Ltd. 1969 71 p. SC
Moulton, H. K.
This is the second in a series of twelve short commentaries based on the Jerusalem Bible. It may be used with any of the translations in use at the time of writing. The commentaries aren’t intended to be detailed expositions, but to offer ‘guideposts’ for discussion and study.
Mow BS204
Mowbray’s Mini-commentary 3: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Hebrews
A. R. Mowbray & Co. Ltd. 1968 63 p. SC
Avery, Margaret
This is the third in a series of twelve short commentaries based on the Jerusalem Bible. It may be used with any of the translations in use at the time of writing. The commentaries aren’t intended to be detailed expositions, but to offer ‘guideposts’ for discussion and study.
Mow BS205
Mowbray’s Mini-commentary 4: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, James, Peter, Jude
A. R. Mowbray & Co. Ltd. 1970 78 p. SC
Thomson, Ian
This is the fourth in a series of twelve short commentaries based on the Jerusalem Bible. It may be used with any of the translations in use at the time of writing. The commentaries aren’t intended to be detailed expositions, but to offer ‘guideposts’ for discussion and study.
Mow BS206
Mowbray’s Mini-commentary 5: The Pentateuch
A. R. Mowbray & Co. Ltd. 1969 63 p. SC
Simpson, William W.
This is the fifth in a series of twelve short commentaries based on the Jerusalem Bible. It may be used with any of the translations in use at the time of writing. The commentaries aren’t intended to be detailed expositions, but to offer ‘guideposts’ for discussion and study.
Mow BS208
Mowbray’s Mini-commentary 7:
1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Ruth, Jonah, 1 and 2 Maccabees
A. R. Mowbray & Co. Ltd. 1970 66 p. SC
Ackroyd, Peter R.
This is the seventh in a series of twelve short commentaries based on the Jerusalem Bible. It may be used with any of the translations in use at the time of writing. The commentaries aren’t intended to be detailed expositions, but to offer ‘guideposts’ for discussion and study.
Mow BS209
Mowbray’s Mini-commentary 8: Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah
A. R. Mowbray & Co. Ltd. 1968 70 p. SC
Robertson, E. H.
This is the eighth in a series of twelve short commentaries based on the Jerusalem Bible. It may be used with any of the translations in use at the time of writing. The commentaries aren’t intended to be detailed expositions, but to offer ‘guideposts’ for discussion and study.
Mow BS212
Mowbray’s Mini-commentary 11: Psalms
A. R. Mowbray & Co. Ltd. 1970 64 p. SC
Simon, Ulrich
This eleventh in a series of twelve short commentaries based on the Jerusalem Bible may be used with any of the translations in use at the time of writing. The commentaries aren’t intended to be detailed expositions, but to offer ‘guideposts’ for discussion and study.
Mow BS213
Mowbray’s Mini-commentary 12: The Wisdom Literature
A. R. Mowbray & Co. Ltd. 1970 49 p. SC
Leahy, Desmond
This is the twelfth in a series of twelve short commentaries based on the Jerusalem Bible, it may be used with any of the translations in use at the time of writing. The commentaries aren’t intended to be detailed expositions, but to offer ‘guideposts’ for discussion and study.
Moy BS439
Talking About Genesis: A Resource Guide
Doubleday 1996 177 p. SC
Moyers, Bill, et al
Participation in Bible study discussion groups answers a deep need for meaning in our lives. This book was written as supplementary material for discussion of the television series Genesis: A Living Conversation, produced by the author and American Public Affairs Television (now NPR; information on access to the series may be found at npr.org). As Moyers states about forming a Bible study discussion group, “. . . you may come as a believer or a doubter. But come for the adventure. If you stick with it, there is no method of Bible study that is more stimulating, more eye-opening, more rewarding. Even if you wind up in the same place at the end of the journey, with precisely the same beliefs that you started out with, you will not be the same person. You will learn new things about yourself and the world.” Contributors to the book include Karen Armstrong, Walter Brueggemann, and Elaine Pagels.
Mur BS309
An Introduction to Jesus and the Gospels
Abingdon Press 2005 394 p. SC
Murphy, Frederick J.
Written with attention to the latest scholarship on the Gospels, especially to their Jewish matrix, and with the skill of a seasoned teacher, this work provides an excellent introduction to the Gospels. A valuable addition to standard introductions is a fine chapter on the historical Jesus that integrates the best research of the last two decades, while avoiding its excesses. The work is a fine example of “one stop shopping.” It includes descriptions of methods of inquiry, study of the background and context of the Gospels, along with attention to more recent studies of the narrative dynamics of each Gospel, and with a helpful addition on the canon. Murphy accompanies the student through a reading of each Gospel, before engaging its major theological themes.
Mur BS220
Celebrating Eve: Christianity as a Pathway to Wholeness
Glen Margaret Publishing 2001 208 p. SC
Murray, Don
This book sees Eve as the mythic heroine, rather than the villain, of the human adventure. The biblical story then takes on a whole new shape and meaning. The path from the innocence of the Garden of Eden to the fulfilment of the New Jerusalem reflects our individual, collective, and even the cosmic journey. Drawing on mythology, depth psychology, particle physics, the rise of the feminine, the death of patriarchy, and various contemporary insights, the author presents a humble, yet powerful vision of the truth of Christianity in a way that gives each person an important role in the story of the evolving universe.
Nei BS218
The Interpretation of the New Testament, 1861 – 1961 (The Firth Lectures, 1962)
Oxford University Press 1964 360 p. SC
Neill, Stephen
The author combines great experience of the world wide Church with a Cambridge theological training and a notable facility in the main European languages, to write a masterly survey of the subject showing the historical development of New Testament criticism, the movements of thought, the contrasting personalities of scholars, and the permanent contributions made by various schools, ending with an assessment in the position by 1961. Though the story may seem an academic one and is told with scholarly judgement, the author shows the supreme interest for the Church of the results of such scholarship, and the story as he tells it is of absorbing interest.
New BS311
Women’s Bible Commentary (Expanded Edition)
Westminster John Knox Press 1998 501 p. SC
Newsom, Carol A. and Ringe, Sharon H. (eds.)
In this critically acclaimed bestseller an outstanding group of women scholars introduced and summarized each book of the Bible and commented on those sections of each book that have particular relevance to women, focusing on female characters, symbols, life situations such as marriage and family, the legal status of women, and religious principles that affect relationships of women and men. This expanded edition provides similar insights on the Apocrypha, presenting a significant view of the lives, religious experiences, and attitudes toward women in the Second Temple period. The book also includes a bibliography. This is careful and critical feminist biblical interpretation for preaching, study groups, and seminary courses.
Nie BS214
The Meaning of Revelation
The MacMillan Company 1941 196 p. SC
Niebuhr, H. Richard
Here is an eloquent plea for the full realization of a personal God, and His existence as revealed to mankind. The author affirms God’s active search for the hearts and souls of men, and he demonstrates that the supreme revelation can come only through a complete, personal act of commitment. For this, Dr. Niebuhr believes, man needs a fervent and unquestionable faith that will overcome all the obstacles to true religious experience. Here is a living creed of religious conviction, and an inspiration for all who would live a more vital Christian life.
Nor BS081
The Bible: Its Heroes and Its Message
— 1985 96 p.
Norquist, Marilyn
The “heroes” of both the Old and New Testaments were people who knew disappointment and confusion before they finally discovered the joy and peace of God’s loving care. Their frustrations and irritations resemble those experienced by modern believers. For those who would like to know more about the Bible and its heroes and meanings, the author introduces the people of the Bible as all-too-human seekers of the truth. Their exploits fairly leap from the pages of Scripture to build an ever-deepening and transforming awareness of the relationship to which God was – and still is – calling his people.
Nut BS421
Victory in All Our Circumstances (Includes cover letter, two brochures and CD) Worldwide Victorious Life Bible Tape Ministry 2012 58 p. SC
Nutter, Betty Jean
This sample package allows the reader to evaluate the resource, prepared by an American Bible teacher to “show Christians how to have victory over sin, the flesh (self), the world, and the devil . . . through the engrafted Word of God.” Her Bible lessons reveal how this life can be lived, freeing Christians”to live a life of victory filled with love, joy, and peace.
Ode BS399
And You Welcomed Me: A Sourcebook on Hospitality in Early Christianity
Abingdon Press 2001 316 p. SC
Oden, Amy G. (ed.)
The book presents a collection of early Christian texts regarding hospitality and its practices. The range of excerpts both in time and space shows just how central a role hospitality played in Christian life throughout the early centuries. Yet this book is not a set of instructions for hospitality, nor does the word ‘hospitality’ even appear in many of the excerpts, and this in itself is good cause for reflection. The excerpts come from letters, diary accounts, instructions, sermons, travelogues, and community records and rules. They are windows into a world of early communities that saw it as their moral duty and also privilege to care for the sick, to safeguard the pilgrim, and to host the stranger. The Appendix offers a range of questions on hospitality for group and individual reflection tied to each chapter.
ODr BS256
A Certain Life: Contemporary Meditations on the Way of Christ
The Anglican Book Centre 1980 95 p. SC
O’Driscoll, Herbert
The author takes us into the life and time of Jesus and his disciples, and return again across the years to our present time, refreshed with a new understanding and a clearer vision of life. These forty meditations on the life of our Lord provide an excellent guide to daily devotion or regular study, during a time of spiritual renewal.
Oer BS121
Bearing Fruit in God’s Family
— 1999 94 p.
Oertli, Ron
This book contains a simple, yet effective approach to explaining the Gospel to friends and neighbours. It examines how to openly identify with Christ, learn to effectively meditate on Scriptures, and renew concern for non-Christian friends. It also suggests ways to create friendships within study groups. It is the third book in the 2:7 Series.
OMu BS102
Catching Up With Jesus: A Gospel Story for Our Time
— 2005 204 p.
O’Murchu, Diarmuid
For those ready to rediscover Jesus, this feast of spiritual insight guides us through the tradition and then offers us the Gospel story for today. With imaginative conversations and poetry the reader is brought into the life-giving, loving, freeing experience of Jesus. This is the sequel to “Quantum Theology.”
Ort BS398
God’s Unfaithful Wife: A biblical theology of spiritual adultery
Apollos InterVarsity Press 1996 200p. SC
Ortlund, Raymond C., Jr.
The biblical theme of spiritual adultery stands in all its bluntness for a deeply offensive sin – the unfaithfulness of God’s covenant people in departing from Yahweh, their husband, and going after false gods. The author begins by showing how the Genesis vision of human marriage provides the logic and a coherent network of meanings for the story of Israel’s relationship with Yahweh. He traces the theme of marital unfaithfulness, first through the historical books of the Old Testament and then through the prophets, particularly Hosea, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Turning to the New Testament, he shows how the sad story of Israel’s harlotry is transcended by the vision of ultimate reality in Christ and his church, the Bridegroom and the Bride.
Pad BS400
But Is It All True? The Bible and the Question of Truth
William B. Eerdmans 2006 175 p. SC
Padgett, Alan G. and Keifert, Patrick R. (eds.)
What is truth? Pontius Pilate’s question continues to worry those who have thought most deeply about the meaning of truth and its implications for the larger church. But Is It All True? assembles essays by some of the clearest thinkers in today’s church, who combine theory and practice in rich, exciting discourse. The authors have read deeply, thought wisely, and written clearly on one of the most complex – and important – issues for the church today. The result is a valuable introduction to a network of issues deserving expanded attention. These essays provide a wealth of contrasting suggestions and insights developed in a pleasing, accessible style. They firmly root the issues where they belong – not in the abstract but in faith and life.
Pag BS061
Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas
Random House 2003
Pagels, Elaine
This book explores how Christianity began by tracing its earliest texts, including the secret Gospel of Thomas, rediscovered in Egypt in 1945 along with more than fifty other early “Christian” texts unknown since antiquity. The discovery of this previously unknown gospel offers startling clues to what Jesus and his teachings meant to his followers before the invention of doctrine – and before Christianity as we know it. The author compares sources with the canonic texts to show how Christian leaders chose to include some gospels and exclude others from the collection we have come to know as the New Testament. To stabilize the emerging Christian church in times of devastating persecution, the church fathers constructed the canon, creed, and hierarchy – and in the process, suppressed many of its spiritual resources. Drawing on new scholarship – her own, and that of an international group of scholars – that has come to light in recent decades, Pagels argues that what matters about Christianity involves much more than any one set of beliefs. Traditions embodied in Judaism and Christianity can powerfully affect us in heart, mind, and spirit, inspire visions of a new society based on practicing justice and love, even heal and transform us.
Pap BS274
Lightly Goes the Good News: Scripture Stories for Reflection
CSS Publishing Company, Inc. 2002 254 p. SC
Papineau, André
These 46 creative stories are contemporary renderings of biblical passages set in situations that people today can easily understand. Expanding on the original situation found in Scripture, the humorous and upbeat tales invite readers to let their imaginations fly with the stories. The characters are vividly described in ways that help us understand them, and ourselves as well. Each challenging, inspiring, and to-the-point story is followed by a brief reflection that can be used as the basis for discussion or individual meditation. Here is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in a unique approach to biblical narrative.
Par BS401
Body and Character in Luke and Acts:
The Subversion of Physiognomy in Early Christianity
Baker Books 2006 191 p. SC
Parsons, Mikeal C.
With an impressive command of both ancient sources and contemporary scholarship, Michael C. Parsons offers a trove of fresh insights on physically challenged figures in Luke and Acts. Readers of this carefully argued work will never look at the bent woman, the diminutive Zacchaeus, the lame man (Acts 3), and the Ethiopian eunuch in the same way again. Deformed bodies (by conventional standards) pose no barriers to transformed character through dynamic encounters with the Lukan Jesus and his emissaries. Such experiences mount a poignant resistance to prejudicial and superficial profiling in Luke’s day – and in ours.
Pat BS100
Communities of the Last Days:
The Dead Sea Scrolls, the New Testament and the Story of Israel
InterVarsity Press 2000 303 p. SC
Pate, C. Marvin
The author introduces us to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the community that produced and collected them. He discusses evidence of a Jewish sectarian community of the first century, and compares it to early Christianity as we know it from the New Testament, as distinct communities living out the last days and fulfilling the story of Israel.
Pat BS315
The Goodly Fellowship of the Prophets:
Studies, Historical, Religious, and Expository in the Hebrew Prophets
Charles Scribner’s Sons 1948 313 p. HC
Paterson, John
In the goodly fellowship of the prophets there existed for 400 years a succession of extraordinary men whose acts and words the world has not been willing to let die. These men have been unique in history. In other religions and other times there have been prophets, but nowhere has there been a comparable group of such creative personalities, of such vital yet vastly different individuals, with such far-reaching influence. The author of this book has set each prophet in his historical background, relates what is known of him personally, and marks his significance in the history and religion of Israel. Since these prophets and spokesmen of God operated with universal ideas and permanently valued principles, these ideas and principles are lifted out of their accidental and temporary settings and expounded in their vital reference. The prophets are relevant in our time and this book stresses that fact. This is a popular and readable presentation, in which the prophets become men of flesh and blood and stand vividly before the reader.
Phi BS265
Letters to Young Churches: A Translation of the New Testament Epistles
Geoffrey Bles Ltd. 1947 224 p. HC
Phillips, J. B.
This volume concentrates on the Epistles and contains preliminary abstracts for each letter. It contains an introduction by C. S. Lewis, who valued it as a resource for people discovering, or rediscovering, the Christian faith. Although written before the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls (JLT – CHECK ON THIS), this translation was valued as an early attempt to translate the Epistles into “vigorous, contemporary English” while still retaining fidelity to the then Authorized Version of the New Testament.
Por BS402
Reading the Gospels Today
William B. Eerdmans 2004 211 p. SC
Porter, Stanley E. (ed.)
As ancient documents, the New Testament Gospels can seem distant from contemporary life or irrelevant to modern society. Further complicating the task of reading the Gospels is the way they seem to introduce differing, if not competing, pictures of Jesus. Reading the Gospels Today is meant to help readers understand – and move beyond – the difficulties involved in interpreting Scripture in our current context. In these insightful studies several biblical scholars explore the content of the Gospels while also discussing how to read these writings in relation to each other and in terms of today’s world. Some chapters consider issues that vex Gospel criticism; others look at particular texts or Synoptic themes; still others demonstrate how one’s immediate interpretive context helps to raise the issues and shape the answers that are found when we read the Gospels. Well organized, thoughtfully written, and widely accessible, this volume will serve to draw readers into the exciting field of contemporary Gospel study.
Pur BS403
He Walked in Galilee: The Days of Jesus’ Ministry
Abingdon Press 2005 91 p. SC
Purdum, Stan
Preachers often urge us to have a personal relationship with Jesus, but with which aspect of his life can we most easily connect? Christmas introduces us to a holy infant. Holy Week introduces us to a dying martyr. Easter introduces us to a risen Saviour. The days of his ministry, however, introduce us to a man, living and teaching and loving in the full vigour of an active life. For many of us, learning more about the days of Jesus‘ ministry means deepening our relationship with him. In this thoughtful study, the author helps to focus on the ministry period of Jesus‘ life from the time of his baptism through his journey to the Cross. He explores the things Jesus taught and did during that active ministry, providing insights for us as his followers in the twenty-first century.
(For resources with no author and authors A to B, click here. For resources with authors C to K, click here.)