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Now Available: Eschatological Discipleship

April 2, 2018 by Barnabas Piper Leave a Comment

Eschatological Discipleship: Leading Christians To Understand Their Historical and Cultural Context

Trevin Wax

Description

Discipleship is eschatological in nature, because the church that makes and receives disciples is eschatological in nature.

Often eschatology is thought to refer only to “last things” doctrines. However, eschatology in its broader sense encompasses the Christian view of time and the future of the world, informing both one’s evangelism and ecclesiology. Failing to relate the eschatological dimension to discipleship leaves one with an incomplete worldview, imbalanced discipleship, and eventually, a tragic inability to model the Christian way of life.

By answering questions like “What time is it?” and “Where is history going?” Trevin Wax helps Christians view the past, present, and future biblically, and shapes their understanding of following Jesus.

Endorsements

“Eschatological Discipleship is a brilliant book. In it, Trevin Wax argues that Christian discipleship cannot be reduced to the transmission of timeless truths that float above history and culture. Instead, Christian discipleship always and necessarily involves confronting the ideologies and rival eschatologies of our own contemporary context. In our own era, he argues, we must confront the Enlightenment, the Sexual Revolution, and modern Consumerism as rival eschatologies, exposing them as frauds and offering the gospel as our one-and-only hope.”

—Bruce Ashford, provost and dean of faculty, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Trevin Wax’s Eschatological Discipleship is a much needed book that teaches that followers of Jesus are shaped in their thinking and actions by Jesus’s kingship, and by the coming kingdom. God’s future—including our future in it—constructs a worldview and supplies us with wisdom for living in the current age. Ultimately, every worldview, whether secularist or Islamic, has a view of the ‘end.’ By knowing God’s plan for the end, we will be better equipped to work for the kingdom here on earth.”

—Michael F. Bird, lecturer in theology, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia

“With the publication of Eschatological Discipleship, Trevin Wax has solidified his role as an important Christian voice for the next generation. The call to biblical faithfulness, serious cultural engagement, careful worldview thinking, and long-term eschatological discipleship is masterfully and winsomely presented. Wax has provided us with a clearly written, insightful, well-researched, and illuminating work that will be essential reading for thoughtful Christian leaders in the church and in the academy. It is a genuine joy to recommend this outstanding work.”
—David S. Dockery, president, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“Discipleship and eschatology are not often thought of in tandem. Discipleship is about following Jesus here and now, while eschatology is about what happens then and there. But in this important book, Trevin Wax shows the coinherence of these two biblical themes. An impressive theological study written with an eye for Great Commission reflection and praxis.”

—Timothy George, founding dean, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University

“It is not a matter of whether eschatology will shape the church’s life but only a matter of which one. Discipleship, a burning need in the syncretistic American church, surely needs to be re-envisioned in terms of equipping God’s people to more and more live out of a biblical eschatology of the kingdom. In this book Trevin Wax takes up this challenge and encounters the two most powerful rival eschatologies of our day—the Enlightenment notion of progress and Consumerism. I pray that God will use this book to enable the American church to reimagine discipleship in its missionary setting.”

—Michael W. Goheen, director of theological education, Missional Training Center, and adjunct professor of missional theology, Covenant Theological Seminary

“The philosopher Martin Heidegger famously defined human existence as ‘being-toward-death,’ a posture that generates anxiety in view of our limited time. Trevin Wax does him one better: the Christian life is a matter of being-towards-discipleship, and discipleship is a matter of being-towards-end-time. Disciples take their bearings from the story of Jesus, especially its end: the hope of resurrection. Wax convincingly sets out the biblical basis for ‘eschatological discipleship’, which means the importance of waking up (and staying awake) to the reality that our citizenship in heaven begins now.”

—Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Details

Paperback

288 Pages

$29.99

Now Available: Preaching By The Book

March 21, 2018 by Barnabas Piper Leave a Comment

Preaching By The Book: Developing and Delivering Text-Driven Sermons

R. Scott Pace

Description

Preachers communicate God’s word by fully considering their context and their congregation.

Preaching by the Book is a practical handbook offering fundamental guidance for preachers beginning to explore their gifts, and fresh insights for seasoned veterans desiring to refine their craft. R. Scott Pace challenges preachers to develop their style and their substance by considering their unique personality and gifts, the work of the Spirit, and the particular audience on a given occasion.

Endorsements

“Preaching by the Book is a simple, concise, and faithful resource on how to prepare text driven sermons from Holy Scripture. It is clearly laid out and touches on all the essentials for faithful and engaging exposition. Scott Pace is a superb writer. This gift is put on marvelous display in this fine work on preaching. It is a joy to commend its wide use among students of homiletics.”

—Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“When I’m asked about a good introductory preaching book to put into the hands of a preacher, Preaching by the Book is one of the first books I will reach for. Scott Pace has produced a biblically and practically sound volume that is eminently readable. Especially important is his emphasis on calling people to faith in Christ in preaching. His content, clarity, and conciseness make this volume a helpful contribution and welcome addition to any preacher’s library.”

—David L. Allen, dean, School of Preaching, George W. Truett Chair of Pastoral Ministry, distinguished professor of preaching, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“There cannot be too many good books on preaching, and I am glad to see Dr. Scott Pace’s Preaching by the Book: Developing and Delivering Text-Driven Sermons added to that list. Every preacher, and everyone who desires to know more about preaching, will benefit immensely by working through this book. Every preacher and the churches they serve will be strengthened by this book.”

—Jason K. Allen, president, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Scott Pace has provided a resource for preachers that is concise, accessible, and relevant. His brief theology of preaching provides the What and the Why before jumping into How to preach. He does, however, proceed to set forth a practical step-by-step model for preaching. This resource will help preachers at every level of experience and education. I thank God for the way this book will help shepherds feed the flock of God.”

—Hance Dilbeck Sr., pastor, Quail Springs Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK

“I wish someone would have given me a book on preaching like this one when I first started preaching! Dr. Pace has served (aspiring) preachers and teachers well by describing some of the foundations for expository preaching. His process for preparing and delivering text-driven sermons is very readable, clear, and to the point.”

—Tony Merida, pastor for preaching and vision, Imago Dei Church, Raleigh, NC, and associate professor of preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“R. Scott Pace understands that preaching reflects a preacher’s personality, but is fundamentally a theological endeavor. Thus, God’s scriptural revelation must form the presuppositions of every faithful preacher about the task of sermon preparation and preaching, as well as, shape his method and blood-earnest passion. Preaching by the Book focuses on the nuts-and-bolts of solid sermon preparation that lead to faithfulness in the pulpit. Too often, the basics for preaching fidelity are precisely what many homiletic texts neglect. Pace’s volume pursues clarity over cleverness and usefulness over trendiness, which means that this book will have a long shelf life.”

—David E. Prince, assistant professor of Christian preaching, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and pastor of preaching and vision, Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, Lexington, KY

“Simple, clear and substantive. Those are the qualities I think of when I read Scott Pace’s Preaching by the Book. He hasn’t attempted to over-analyze the sermon preparation and delivery process, but to boil it down so we can focus on the essentials. His simple and clear description of each component makes his work easy to read, and his substantive treatment of biblical exposition is faithful to a right understanding of what preaching is supposed to be. This is a delightful and helpful resource for both the weekly practitioner and the student-in-training.”

—Jim Shaddix, director, Center for Pastoral Leadership and Preaching, W. A. Criswell Chair of Expository Preaching, professor of preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Details

Hardcover

96 Pages

$19.99

Now Available: SBC FAQs

March 13, 2018 by Barnabas Piper Leave a Comment

SBC FAQs: A Ready Reference

Keith Harper & Amy Whitfield

Description

SBC FAQs provides a general overview of the Southern Baptist Convention in the format of frequently asked questions. Covering details of basic history, polity structure, entity functions and more, this ready reference seeks to answer the most common inquiries about how America’s largest Protestant denomination functions. The topics range from the founding of the SBC to how officers and committees work, what individual entities do, movements in modern denominational history, common terminology, and more. It is designed for first-time messengers and longtime messengers to the SBC Annual Meeting, as well as students, church members, and those in full-time ministry. Whether one is new to the denominational family and wants to learn the big picture or a lifelong Southern Baptist who wants to refresh his or her knowledge about a specific detail, SBC FAQs offers clear and concise explanations. Cooperation begins with an informed commitment to participation. This resource will not only help readers find information, but also inspire them to find their place in the process.

Endorsements

“I love the SBC. I’ve studied how she functions since I was a child. I recognize that understanding the SBC can be confusing. Keith Harper and Amy Whitfield have done a great service by making the SBC easy to understand for those who want to learn more. You should take advantage of this easy-to-read volume and enjoy!”
—Micah Fries, senior pastor, Brainerd Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN

“The Southern Baptist Convention was founded for the sake of the Great Commission. It has always existed to facilitate churches reaching the nations for Christ. Harper and Whitfield’s new resource provides background to our convention’s history and vision, helping us engage in the mission with our heads, our hands, and our hearts. The question and answer format makes it an easy, readable, and engaging resource. Every member of the SBC needs to have this at their side.”
—J. D. Greear, pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh/Durham, NC

“This book is a must read for any person that desires to know who Southern Baptists are. It’s written with knowledge and passion about a denomination that exists to be a difference maker.”
—Johnny Hunt, pastor, First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA

“I commend to you this new book, SBC FAQs, by Keith Harper and Amy Whitfield. Most people outside the Convention do not understand how we operate and, unfortunately, that is also true for most inside the Convention. Harper and Whitfield do a masterful job of simplifying what is a complicated system and process. You will appreciate this primer on Southern Baptist Convention polity and processes.”
—Frank S. Page, president and chief executive officer, Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention

“Keith Harper and Amy Whitfield know Southern Baptists. They are Southern Baptists. They know us on paper and in real interaction. You can trust their answers.”
—Kevin Smith, executive director, Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware

Details

Paperback

144 Pages

$19.99

Exalting Jesus in Isaiah – A Review

February 21, 2018 by Barnabas Piper Leave a Comment

By Andrew Spencer

As we recently celebrated the 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation, we have also been celebrating the recovery of the authority of Scripture within Christianity. Technology and scholastic influences combined to create a cocktail of circumstances that enabled the spread of Scripture in common languages and an eruption of preaching of the Word of God in the church. To read the history of the early Reformation is to read a love story of Christ’s bride for the Bible.

That fervent affection for Scripture is alive and well in our day, particularly among those who practice expositional preaching. The Christ-Centered Exposition Series of commentaries from Holman Reference is both the product of and a contributor to the renaissance of expositional preaching. The series also encourages the conviction that all of Scripture tells about Christ: He is anticipated in the Old Testament and more clearly revealed in the New Testament. The whole Bible is a story of redemption, with Christ as the central hero.

The latest volume in this series – Exalting Jesus in Isaiah – is by Andrew M. Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church of Durham, NC. Davis is well-known for his love of Scripture, most clearly demonstrated by his faithful practice of memorizing whole books of the Bible. He has even previously memorized the entire book of Isaiah, which is the subject of this volume. Davis has also recently completed the arduous task of preaching through Isaiah in his local church; those sermons help give shape to this volume.

All of the volumes in this series of commentaries are intended to be preaching commentaries. That is, the authors emphasize the sorts of information that are most helpful to the pastor as he is shaping his sermons. For example, instead of a lengthy introduction about the various theories of scribal interjections and textual composition of Isaiah, Davis jumps right into illustrations, background, and textual outlines that are helpful for giving a congregation a sense of the main point of the text.

Davis wrote this book in approximately sixty short, easy to manage chapters. Each chapter is designed to cover a passage of Scripture that is about the right length for a sermon. Within each chapter, Davis highlights a key verse, provides a textual outline, and then offers commentary according to that outline. This makes it an invaluable resource for someone preparing a series of sequential expository sermons or those preaching a stand-alone sermon from the book of Isaiah. The chapters are self-contained, making it useful for a consecutive preaching through the book or occasional sermons on a particular text.

Although this volume is closely connected to Davis’ own preaching of the book of Isaiah, it is not a collection of his sermons. Davis habitually manuscripts his sermons, and the page total would be much greater had he simply compiled those manuscripts into a single volume. Instead, the reader is given the gift of a distillation of Davis’ careful study of Scripture, with insightful examples and illustrations scattered liberally throughout.

The greatest strength of this volume are the intertextual connections that Davis makes as he outlines the contents of Isaiah. Since he has memorized so much Scripture, his mind is alive with allusions and cross-references in and to books through the entire canon. For example, in his commentary on Isaiah 6, Davis explains how Christians can know that Isaiah’s vision of the glory of God in the throne room of heaven is, in fact, a vision of Christ himself. John 12:41 makes this plain. Other commentaries may make the connection, but Davis shows how that revelation fits into the exegetical flow of a sermon on the passage.

Davis also provides a number of helpful illustrations throughout the volume, which are insightful for sermon preparation, and also reflect Davis’ unique personality. Readers are offered references to Luther, Calvin, Bunyan, and even poets like Robert Frost to illuminate points. Davis, a former engineer, even uses the recycling of metal from the World Trade Center into the keel of an amphibious transport ship, the USS New York, to illustrate how redemption can come through destruction to introduce Isaiah 3-4. Or, perhaps more characteristically, Davis cites a report on port activity to make a connection between the vanity of seeking economic domination and God’s judgement, which helps bring Isaiah 23 into focus for the modern reader. These detailed, fact-based illustrations are useful resources for sermon preparation.

This entire series of commentaries is an excellent tool for pastors. The structure of these volumes makes them easy to use as a reference during sermon preparation. The tone of the volumes is formal, but not stuffy, which makes them accessible to pastors with a wide range of academic preparation. The content has been adequately resourced to be reliable, but does not fall into the trap that some academic commentaries do of engaging with every divergent perspective to the detriment of clarity and flow. These volumes are preaching commentaries as they are meant to be: tools to assist the people on the front lines of exposition as they seek to rightly divide the word of truth.

Andrew J. Spencer (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) writes regularly at EthicsAndCulture.com. He lives with his family in Monroe, Michigan.

Now Available: Together on God’s Mission

January 15, 2018 by Barnabas Piper Leave a Comment

Together on God’s Mission: How Southern Baptists Cooperate to Fulfill the Great Commission

Scott Hildreth

Description

Together on God’s Mission investigates Southern Baptist history, showing how and why the Southern Baptist Convention came to embrace the vision of a cooperative denomination. It also explores how this vision has shaped denominational identity and structure. This historical study is followed by a discussion of the biblical description of how the mission of God determines the mission of the church. This study shows that God’s mission is not simply furthered by churches working together, but rather that cooperation between churches makes up a key component of God’s mission. Finally, the study concludes that the Southern Baptist Convention is uniquely positioned to enable churches to fully participate in God’s mission to redeem the nations and restore creation from the effects of the Fall.

Endorsements

“When Southern Baptists voluntarily work in partnership through the Cooperative ministries of the SBC, we are following a pattern found in Scripture. It is a pattern that allows us truly to do more together than we could ever do apart. It is pattern that is biblically justified, theologically sound and practically wise. It involves the sacrificial giving of our financial resources to be sure, but it is so much more than this. This is the argument my colleague and friend Scott Hildreth makes in Together on God’s Mission: How Southern Baptists Cooperate to Fulfill the Great Commission. He is quite successful in his assignment.”
—Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“The cooperative partnership of Southern Baptists may not be perfect but it is proven and profound. In Together on God’s Mission, Scott Hildreth provides a timely resource that not only advocates for the financial wisdom of the Southern Baptists’ Cooperative Program but also advances the theological foundation of this cooperative partnership for a new generation. As an experienced missionary and seminary professor, Hildreth provides a concise and helpful orientation of how churches unite to form a mighty Great Commission coalition as they join together on God’s mission.”
—Brian Autry, executive director, SBC of Virginia

“From their earliest days, Baptist churches have cooperated together for the sake of kingdom priorities such as missions, education, and public engagement. As Southern Baptists, we cooperate through our structures and strategy, which are linked together in the Cooperative Program. Every generation brings new challenges and fresh opportunities, and as this happens, pastors and other leaders need to be reminded anew of the importance of gospel-centered cooperation among churches of ‘like faith and order’ (as old-fashioned Baptists used to say). To that end, Scott Hildreth has written a book for such a time as this. Together on God’s Mission gives us the perfect combination of Baptist history, sound biblical exegesis, missional theology, and constructive application.”
—Nathan A. Finn, dean, School of Theology and Missions, and professor of Christian thought and tradition, Union University

“Scott Hildreth has done Southern Baptists a great service by providing this book. Of particular help, in my mind, is his commitment to help the SBC ground their partnership in theology rather than pragmatics. If you are Southern Baptist and care about cooperative mission, you should read this book.”
—Micah Fries, senior pastor, Brainerd Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN

“The perfect primer for getting your mind around the Cooperative Program—its unique opportunities, current challenges and the way forward. Dr. Hildreth brings to this book an understanding that comes from years of working ‘inside’ the system and the passion from having depended on the Cooperative Program while he served on the front lines of global missions.”
—J.D. Greear, pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, NC

“In this informative book, Scott Hildreth shares from the rich knowledge he has gained as an IMB missionary and a professor of missions at a Southern Baptist seminary. With a succinct overview of how the Southern Baptist Convention came into being and grew to become the strongest Protestant missionary force in existence, Hildreth champions the benefit of a missions funding system that Southern Baptists know as the Cooperative Program. Together on God’s Mission explains why cooperation and personal involvement in missions is the heartbeat of who Southern Baptists have been and still remain. Hildreth’s work also reveals how those who hold to Baptist distinctives along with their personal convictions can work together in fulfilling the Great Commission. He reminds us that we can function most effectively in reaching the nations when we seek unity under our common statement of faith and around our common cooperative vision. Readers will benefit greatly from Hildreth’s book, whether or not they grew up in a Southern Baptist church.”
—Milton A. Hollifield Jr., executive director-treasurer, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina

“In the backward horizon of the Southern Baptist Convention, we can see dark clouds of human sin, but we can also see the lightning of God’s grace. In Together on God’s Mission, Scott Hildreth shows us how to spot such grace, and how to respond with gratitude. The book will help a new generation of Baptist Christians learn from our past in order to forge a future of cooperation for mission.”
—Russell Moore, president, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention

“I am always excited when I read a resource that accurately portrays the ‘better side’ of Southern Baptists as we try to cooperate together. Scott Hildreth does a great job of doing just that in this book. Strong scriptural foundations of Cooperative Program ministry are presented. An accurate, historical rendering of how Cooperative Program came about is included in this new work. My prayer is that Southern Baptists will continue to see this as yet another great resource to help people know about the gift that God gave us many years ago— the Cooperative Program. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program, I pray that generations yet to come will see it as a truly great tool to assist us in fulfilling the Great Commission.”
—Frank Page, president and CEO, Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention

“In Together on God’s Mission, Scott Hildreth demonstrates that our convention priorities and our Cooperative Program are not only practical, they are biblical. This book tells the story of the development of Southern Baptist cooperation and shows how our structure and vision fits within God’s global mission. It is well researched and accessible. I commend this book as a valuable tool for students, missionaries, pastors, as well as the masses of Southern Baptists across our convention who are called to share in God’s mission of making disciples of all nations.”
—Ed Stetzer, Billy Graham Professor of Church, Mission, and Evangelism, and executive director of The Billy Graham Center for Evangelism, Wheaton College.

Details

Paperback

176 Pages

$14.99

Now Available: The Story of Scripture

January 4, 2018 by Barnabas Piper Leave a Comment

The Story of Scripture: An Introduction to Biblical Theology

Matthew Y. Emerson

Hobbs College Library, Volume 1

Description

Although the Bible contains sixty-six books, written by forty authors, it is one book written by one author, the Holy Spirit, with one subject: Jesus Christ. How do these books, from Genesis to Revelation, fit together? The Story of Scripture guides the reader through the four major themes of the Bible—Creation, Fall, Redemption, New Creation—showing how each individual book of the Bible tells a cohesive story centered on Jesus.

Endorsements

“It takes a courageous author to write an introduction to biblical theology, and Matt Emerson has written a careful and compelling work. The Story of Scripture is thoroughly biblical and immensely helpful, showing how all the parts of the redemptive narrative point to Jesus. This work helps us see the striking beauty of the story of Scripture, and leads us to respond in worship of the Savior.”
—Matt Boswell, hymn writer; founder, Doxology and Theology; and pastor of ministries and worship, Providence Church, Frisco, TX

“I believe it’s a sign of spiritual health that so many evangelicals have become interested in biblical theology. You hold in your hand (or see on your screen!) the best brief introduction to the discipline. In The Story of Scripture, Matt Emerson expertly translates technical concepts for general readers and thoughtfully applies biblical theology to life and ministry. The result is an indispensable resource and an excellent first entry in a promising series that will do much to equip pastors, strengthen churches, and advance Christ’s kingdom.”
—Nathan A. Finn, dean of the School of Theology and Missions and professor of Christian thought and tradition, Union University

“The Story of Scripture provides a robust perspective that speaks to the coherency and the unity of God’s redemptive narrative. This book vigorously testifies to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the central theme of the Bible in a way that is informative and encouraging. Matthew Emerson has given us a resource that will serve both the pulpit and the pew well. It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend this work.”
—Earon M. James Sr., lead teaching pastor, Relevant Life Church, Pace, FL

“If you have any interest in the Bible, then I encourage you to take up and read this little book! Many people know stories in the Bible, but they don’t know the story of the Bible. Emerson has provided an easy-to-read introduction of biblical theology, showing the marvelous unity of the Bible, of which Jesus is the hero. The Story of Scripture will help you understand the redemptive drama of Scripture better, and will also build your faith, as you consider the divine nature of Scripture. I will be using it for years to come.”
—Tony Merida, associate professor of preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and pastor for preaching and vision, Imago Dei Church, Raleigh, NC

“If you are looking for a primer that combines a predictable evangelical high view of scripture with an unpredictable historic/Christocentric read of the Bible, you are holding it in your hand. Emerson has provided a faithful and helpful volume: broad enough in scope to grasp some of the principal points of biblical interpretation, yet readable enough for the curious beginner.”
—D. Jeffrey Mooney, professor of Old Testament interpretation and theology, California Baptist University, and senior pastor, Redeemer Baptist Church, Riverside, CA

“This first volume of the promising Hobbs College Library is an insightful, solid, faithful, and edifying introduction to the biblical story and biblical theology. It will strengthen pastors, students, and church leaders alike.”
—Christopher W. Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries and professor of theology, California Baptist University

“The Story of Scripture masterfully demonstrates the continuity in the storyline of the Bible. Matthew Emerson offers a vivid, yet accessible, description of how biblical theology has been conducted throughout the course of church history, and traces the essential theme of redemption through the biblical narrative. The volume culminates with an invitation to participate in God’s story, which it masterfully tells.”
—Walter R. Strickland II, associate vice president for kingdom diversity and assistant professor of systematic and contextual theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Matt Emerson’s The Story of Scripture maps the theological unity of Scripture. The terrain of Scripture is presented through an insightful, close reading of the Bible. Emerson contributes to one’s understanding of the biblical storyline by connecting how many sub-plots of the story connect to its main plot. He also adds brief, perceptive explanations of the underlying theological themes that construct the contours of the Bible. Emerson believes knowing how to apply biblical truth to our lives depends on recognizing the biblical story and where one is in the story. He persuasively illustrates this in his discussion on preaching, doctrine, biblical counseling, the Christian life, and the church’s mission.”
—Keith S. Whitfield, dean of graduate studies, vice president for academic administration, and assistant professor of theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Details

Hardcover

96 Pages

$19.99

Now Available: Pastoral Ministry (Treasury of Baptist Theology)

December 11, 2017 by Barnabas Piper Leave a Comment

Pastoral Ministry: The Ministry of a Shepherd

Deron Biles, Ed.

Treasury of Baptist Theology, Book 1

Description

“So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.” —Psalm 78:72

Being a pastor is an audacious calling—both a remarkable privilege and an unaccomplishable task. In general, the Bible talks about the identity of a shepherd more than the activity of a shepherd. Yet both are vital in ministry. Ezekiel 34 is God’s message to pastors: His template by which our ministries will be measured. Pastoral Ministry brings together this mandate of God, the needs of the sheep, and the model of the good Shepherd to uniquely inspire and equip you to fulfill your ministry as a shepherd.

Endorsements

“After pastoring a church for fifteen years, Pastoral Ministry was refreshing and encouraging to read. It reminded me of exactly what the Lord has called his shepherds to do. I highly recommend this book for any pastor, whether you’re just starting out, or have been faithfully shepherding for decades.”
—Matt Carter, pastor of preaching and vision, The Austin Stone Community Church

“Nothing is more important to the church today than to have a clear view of the role of the pastor, who is the ‘undershepherd’ of the congregation. And nothing is more important to the pastor/shepherd than to know what God’s Word declares about his assignment. The pattern for the shepherd is the Great Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ. The role is vital and demanding. The writer of Hebrews concludes in 13:17 that the shepherd must ‘give account’ to God. James reminds us that the he will face ‘a stricter judgment.’ The shepherd does not choose to be a shepherd, he is appointed by God to be a shepherd. He is not a hired hand, but a divinely selected leader who loves the sheep and gives his life to them. These pages clearly reveal that the shepherd has a high calling, an enormous responsibility, a demanding holiness of life and a compassionate ministry given to him on behalf of the church. He is always guided by the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and faithfulness to the sufficiency and complete trustworthiness of God’s Word.”
—Jimmy Draper, president emeritus, LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention

“After more than twenty-five years of pastoring, I am convinced that ministry is not for the faint of heart. The Bible calls the pastor a shepherd for a reason—his life is devoted to caring for sheep—and sheep can be messy. Pastors can be messy too. Pastoring well means knowing how to lead well and leading well requires a biblical understanding of what God expects from His shepherds. Pastoral Ministry was written for such a purpose. Each chapter will open your eyes to both who God expects pastors to be and what God expects pastors to do. It’s more than a ‘how to’ book; it’s a ‘who am I’ book. Read this and you will gain valuable insights about how to pastor your people, but even greater, you will also be challenged to look within your own heart to consider how God is pastoring you.”
—Mark A. Howell, senior pastor, Hunters Glen Baptist Church

“The high calling of a pastor is to shepherd the people of God with the Word of God for the glory of God. Indeed, pastors are accountable before God for their stewardship of this high calling. For this reason, I pray that the Lord will bless this book to help encourage and equip pastors to be the shepherds God has called them to be.”
—David Platt, president, The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention

Details

Paperback

256 Pages

$29.99

Now Available: Theology, Church, and Ministry

December 6, 2017 by Barnabas Piper Leave a Comment

Theology, Church, and Ministry: A Handbook for Theological Education

David Dockery, Editor

Description

Theology, Church, and Ministry: A Handbook for Theological Education enables readers to understand the key role that theological education plays in preparing God-called ministers for service in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. This distinctive resource explains the purpose for theological education, including how it has developed, and how it contributes to the formation and preparation for ministry. Each chapter provides a broad survey of the field, while helping students, prospective students, board members, and church leaders understand why this area of study is important for theological education and the life of the church. All chapters include questions for further reflection and a list of books or key articles for additional study. In addition to the contributions from David Dockery and Timothy George, this distinctive work offers insights from some of the outstanding leaders and thinkers in the field of theological education today, including Timothy Tennent, Mark Bailey, Daniel Akin, Kevin Vanhoozer, Daniel Block, Robert Smith, Dana Harris, Graham Cole, Malcolm Yarnell, Greg Wills, Christopher Morgan, and Constantine Campbell, among others.

Endorsements

“Theology, Church, and Ministry: A Handbook for Theological Education is an invaluable resource for the academy, the church, and all who care about theological education. It’s both instructive and inspiring. I highly recommend it.”
—Jason K. Allen, president, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“In this impressive volume, David Dockery and a cadre of established scholars grapple with how to reintegrate the theological and ministerial disciplines that have been bifurcated over the past several centuries. I recommend it highly, not only for professors, but for pastors, seminary students, and theologically-minded Christians.”
—Bruce Riley Ashford, provost and professor of theology and culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“It reveals the value of theological reflection in its myriad ways of thinking about topics textually, theologically, historically, ethically, and transformatively, all with a view to edifying both the minister and the church. Simply well done.”
—Darrell L. Bock, senior research professor of New Testament studies and executive director of cultural engagement, Hendricks Center, Dallas Theological Seminary

“Theology, Church, and Ministry establishes and emphasizes the synergistic connection between seminary and church, between theological education and ministry. Readers of this book whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, will not only appreciate the holistic view of theological education presented, but will be compelled to devote themselves to its high calling.”
—Choon Sam Fong, dean of academic studies, Baptist Theological Seminary, Singapore

“It is carefully crafted to prepare theological educators to be more well informed and integrally involved so that evangelical theological education becomes more missional and applicable while firmly rooted in the biblical and historical teachings. I greatly appreciate David Dockery and the many other writers for not only sharing their wisdom and experiences, but also for pushing their boundaries to be more global and futuristic.”
—Jung-Sook Lee, president and professor of church history, Torch Trinity Graduate University, Seoul, South Korea

“At last, a book that strikes a compelling balance between the rigor of deep theological thought and the development of ministerial skill rooted in the fertile soil of biblical conviction. . . . Theology, Church, and Ministry: A Handbook for Theological Education is a must read for those of us who care about pleasing our Lord with our work and blessing his flock with our gifts.”
—Joseph Stowell, president, Cornerstone University/Grand Rapids Theological Seminary

“Theology, Church, and Ministry is a most timely book. In a rapidly changing world where new challenges to remain faithful to the call of Christ present themselves to the church on what seems like a weekly basis, this book proves invaluable. . . . This collection of essays is a rich and fruitful read for gospel ministers who are serious about their calling in times like these.”
—Preben Vang, professor of Christian Scriptures and director, Doctor of Ministry Program, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University

Details

Hardback

464 Pages

$39.99