Book Description
All The Bible is an 8-volume basic biblical survey series that nurtures a better understanding of the message and background of the biblical writings. The general editor of the series is R. Alan Culpepper, Dean of the McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia.
From Promise to Exile: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings are known as part of the historical books of the canon. However, in Jewish tradition, except for Ruth, they are labeled as prophetic literature.
Covering the rise and decline of Israel, Joshua-Kings moves from land, given as promised, to exile, executed by Yahweh because of the infidelity of the people and the unwillingness of the kings to obey the Torah and listen to the prophets. Joshua-Judges discusses land possession without the rule of kings, and Samuel-Kings emphasizes possessing the land under the leadership of monarchies.
God’s Servants, the Prophets covers the Israelite and Judean prophetic literature from the preexilic period. It includes Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Jeremiah, and Obadiah.
Journey to the Land of Promise: Interest in the Old Testament is growing as younger generations take a look at its books for the first time and as previous generations take a new look at familiar writings. However, understanding the Old Testament can be challenging. Kelley uses his extensive background in teaching the Old Testament to provide a fresh primer on the first five books, taking us on a journey from creation through the giving of the law.
The Church as a Pilgrim People: Nash explores the theme of pilgrimage in the last nine books of the New Testament. Each book contributes a distinctive sound to the symphony of pilgrimage the model for Christian living.
The Church's Mission to the Gentiles: How did a movement that began as a reform within Judaism become, within just a few decades, one in which Jews were greatly outnumbered by Gentiles? How did a church that began on Palestinian soil become an organization spread throughout the Roman Empire? The Church’s Mission to the Gentiles traces this story in an overview of the book of Acts and in an introduction to the career and writings of the apostle Paul, the one individual most responsible for this transformation. Emphasis is given to the work of Paul as a missionary, theologian, and pastor.
The Church's Portraits of Jesus adds another voice to the ever-growing discussion about Jesus in recent media and scholarly conversations. While showing the unique portraits of Jesus offered by the four gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John-the book also establishes an approach to understanding the communities who shaped the portraits. As contemporary Christians explore their portraits of Jesus, Bridges provides excellent questions and guidance.
The Exile and Beyond brings to life the sacred literature of Israel and Judah that comprises the exilic and postexilic communities of faith. It covers Ezekiel, Isaiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Joel, Jonah, Song of Songs, Esther, and Daniel.
The Testimony of Poets and Sages: With a helpful amount of scholarly information on organization, form, and context, Bellinger will help you and your class explore the depths of the poetry and wisdom of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. The Psalms, or hymns, of lament and praise nurture honest dialogue with God. The pragmatic teaching of Proverbs remind us of the sacred nature of all that God has created. And the speculation of Job and Ecclesiastes allows us to raise questions about the unexplainable and ambiguous aspects of life. These are texts from the community of faith for the community of faith.