Chapter 1 gives a brief overview of the content of the four Gospels.

Chapter 1 explores the qualifications for the office of elder in the church.

This chapter forms a very basic introduction to the office of elder in the church.

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the function and authority of Scripture in the life of a Christian.

Theological training and study can be dangerous. There are many pitfalls. In this chapter the authors introduce possible dangers of theological studies.

Jesus “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Chapter 4 reflects on the question whether Jesus could have sinned at all.

Does God ever change his mind? What would it mean for God to change his mind? Aren't all his plans and purposes immutable? The author discusses the immutability of God as a consistency of God’s character and constancy of his being and plan.

Chapter 6 is an exploration of the significance of Jesus’ promise that the gospel is “good news for the poor" (Luke 7:22). The social and political dimensions of the gospel are reflected on. The gospel is presented as a message of liberation, grace, and community.

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the book of Deuteronomy, and an exposition of Deuteronomy 1:1-3, 5. The author also takes a look at Hittite treaties.

Is death an enemy or friend? What is the Christian attitude toward death? How do we best prepare for death? To answer these (and other) questions, Van Drunen helps his readers to consider how to give careful thought to issues such as financial responsibility, wills, and organ donation in light of preparing for death.

The discipline of bioethics is relatively new. New medical technology in the past generation has confronted Christians with issues of life and death never before seen in human history. This Introduction explains that the book considers how Christians are to engage with the matter of bioethics.

Chapter 2 is an exposition of 1 Timothy 1:3-5. The emphasis in these verses falls on the importance of the right doctrine for the life of the church.

Chapter 1 is a general introduction to the purpose of 1 Timothy, and a commentary on 1 Timothy 1:1-2. Paul carefully phrased his greeting to Timothy with the purpose of encouraging him in his daunting leadership role.

Why are cities important to Christian mission today? This question, together with issue of the history of and projections about cities, is considered in Chapter 1. The author also provides some basic categories for identifying a city.

What did the biblical writers mean when they spoke of faith? In Chapter 1 the author reflects on what the character and nature of this faith in the prophets, apostles, and other writers refers to. He also includes some questions for study and discussion.

In this chapter Haykin reveals John Calvin's approach to Scripture and theology that was clearly pro-missions and pro-evangelism. While Calvin was concerned more directly with purifying the church than initiating a worldwide missions movement, his interpretation of the Bible was consistent with a free proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of the lost.

Chapter 4 is a commentary on Job 3. The main theme Ash formulates is the call to weep with those who weep.

Chapter 3 is a commentary on Job 2:11-13. The main theme that Ash formulates is the loneliness of Job.

Chapter 2 is a commentary on Job 1:6-Job 2:5. The main theme that Ash formulates is the testing of the faith of believers.

Chapter 1 is a commentary on Job 1:1-5.

The appendix is a confession of faith drawn up by B. B. Warfield as a summary of the Reformed Faith.

B. B. Warfield is widely recognized as one of the leading Reformed theologians of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This chapter considers his historical and church-historical context. His involvement with Princeton Seminary receives attention.

In this introductory chapter Bray considers a few basic aspects of the nature and task of Christian theology. It includes what it means to know God, the nature and character of the sharing of this faith as a witness to others, the scope and limitations of [theology]], and the reasons for and solutions to theological disagreements.

This book explores black liberation theology. In the portion of Chapter 1 presented here, the author first identifies what Black Theology is. Next, he explores the relationship between Black Theology and victimology. Victimology is the adoption of victimhood as the core of one’s identity as human being. Bradley then inquires about the major differences between orthodox Christianity and the tradition of Black Liberation Theology.

What is the glory of God? This question is answered by Gaffin as he opens up Paul’s theology of glory and shows how it is linked to important themes such as the gospel, the image of God, and Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.

This chapter wants to serve as a correction of distortions of the love of God. Carson contrasts the distortions with the biblical picture of God's love.

In this chapter Hughes comments on James 1:1-4. He focuses on the faith of believers being tested.

In this chapter Hughes comments on Hebrews 1:2-3. The main theme of this chapter is the reality of angels and the superiority of Jesus Christ above them.

In this chapter Hughes comments on Hebrews 1:2-3. The main theme of this chapter is the supremacy of Jesus Christ as God’s final word.

In this chapter Hughes comments on Hebrews 1:1-2. The main focus of this chapter is the reality of God speaking to his people through his Word.

In Chapter 2 Hughes considers how spiritual discipline helps to keep men sexually pure. A text he discusses is 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.

Formation of a Christian character includes cultivation of spiritual disciplines and exercises. Hughes' point of departure is Paul’s encouragement to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7. Paul calls Timothy to “train yourself to be godly.” In Chapter 1 Hughes takes a look at what this training entails.

The Hughes are convinced that a vital element for building a family is instilling a healthy sense of heritage. By that they mean an appreciation of family roots, both earthly and spiritual. It has become increasingly common in our world for children to have no such sense of continuity or regard for family history. The authors see it as one of the disciplines of a godly family.

What is a family? The authors of this chapter are convinced that we need a renewed understanding of the foundational principles of the Christian family. They address the question of what the Bible has to say about Christian families.

In this chapter Hughes comments on Philippians 1:9-11. The main focus of these verses is Paul’s prayer for the believers in Philippi. Paul informs his readers how and what he prayed for them.

In this chapter Hughes comments on Philippians 1:7-8. The main focus of these verses is the affection Paul expresses, which flows from the fellowship between him and the believers in Philippi.

In this chapter Hughes comments on Philippians 1:3-6. The main focus of these verses is the fellowship between Paul and the believers in Philippi, for which he thanks the Lord.

In this chapter Hughes comments on Philippians 1:1-2. The main focus of this chapter is the fellowship between Paul and the believers in Philippi.

In this chapter Hughes comments on Matthew 5:7. The main focus is the meaning and significance of being merciful.

In this chapter Hughes comments on Matthew 5:6. The main focus is the meaning and significance of "hunger for righteousness.”

In this chapter Hughes comments on Matthew 5:5. The main focus is the meaning and significance of gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit.

This chapter is a commentary on Matthew 5:4. The main focus is the meaning and significance of mourning.

This chapter is a commentary on Matthew 5:1-3. The main focus is the meaning and significance of being poor in spirit.

Chapter 1 is an exposition of 1 Peter 1:1-2.

In Chapter 1 Hamilton provides a popular overview of the content, structure, and theology of the book of Revelation.

The church is the temple of the Holy Spirit. As such it is to be a preview of what the world is going to become. The church is a beginning of the new temple. In Chapter 12 Hamilton considers this aspect of the church’s identity.

Chapter 11 considers the identity of the church, the bride of Christ, in the bigger story of God’s dealings with man and creation. Hamilton takes a look at a few metaphors that Jesus and the apostles used to indicate the church’s identity.

Chapter 10 considers the place of the church, the bride of Christ, in the bigger story of God’s dealings with man and creation.

In this chapter Hamilton considers what Biblical Theology is. For Hamilton it is the “interpretive perspective reflected in the way the biblical authors have presented their understanding of earlier Scripture, redemptive history, and the events they are describing, recounting, celebrating, or addressing.”

Did the Old Testament make use of the religious ideas of the neighbours of Israel in the ancient Near East? Currid wants to demonstrate that numerous stories from the Old Testament reflect motifs and plots from Israel’s neighbours. In Chapter 6 he considers the possibility that one of these plots about a birth story is borrowed in Exodus 2:1-10.

Hamilton argues that the centre in Biblical Theology is God, who is both merciful and just. The central theme of Scripture, according to Hamilton, is the glory of God in salvation through judgment. In Chapter 1 he first considers whether there is a centre in Scripture that holds everything in Scripture together.

The focus in chapter 4 is Paul’s view of heaven. The author reflects upon the eschatological aspects of heaven, notably the final state of believers. He first notes the Old Testament background to Paul’s understanding of heaven, then the basic structure of Paul's thought, and finally a focus on the believer’s final, future state prior to and after the return of Christ.

The story of the Bible can be seen as the story of heaven above coming down to earth, God coming down to humanity, to lift it up. Ortlund explores in Chapter 2 how heaven appears in the Old Testament in three different ways: indirectly as part of the Old Testament narrative; through developed narratives involving heaven directly (e.g.

This chapter is a general introduction to the study and understanding of Martin Luther. Trueman points out some of the difficulties and dangers in studying Luther today, one of which is to reinvent Luther as a modern Western Evangelical believer and theologian.

From the Lord Jesus, Christians learn to make the fatherhood of God essential to prayer. In chapter 2 Ryken provides insight into the significance of this manner of addressing God.

Ryken discusses the Lord’s Prayer as a “family” prayer—a prayer to be prayed as members of the people of God.

This chapter is a guide for reading and interpreting Genesis 1:1-5, 6-13, and 14-19 as part of the biblical narrative and the creation story.

This Introduction provides a guide for reading the narrative sections of the Old Testament. It directs readers to the main reasons for telling these stories. Further, it considers the question whether there is a right or wrong way to read and use Bible stories. Finally, it reflects on how to read the narratives within the bigger picture of the Bible.

In this chapter the author considers two views on the source of the law. One view is confident that humanity is the only source of law and of the knowledge of good and evil. The other view finds a fountain for the good life for ourselves and society if we turn back to God himself. Law is seen as an expression of the character of God. Questions for personal reflection and group discussion follow at the end of the chapter.

In Chapter 2 Barrs first considers how the past century witnessed a loss of biblical content to people’s views of God, truth, and moral convictions. Two views are considered: a Christian (traditional) view (morality and law are fixed and eternal) and a postmodern view (morality and law are constantly open to change). Questions for personal reflection and group discussion are at the end of the chapter.

Chapter 1 considers issues like the following: What do you think about the law of God? Do you think that you don’t need laws written thousands of years ago to direct your life? The culture in which we live today claims it knows better about how we should live than people from distant times and different cultures. Our scientific knowledge has advanced so much that it is no longer necessary for us to obey a moral code written in a time of comparative ignorance about human life.

Chapter 2 is a sermon on Proverbs 1:1-7. Its main focus is on the significance of the fear of the Lord.

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the significance and character of the book of Proverbs. It is a portrayed as a very practical book, but never simplistic or moralistic. It is a part of Israel’s wisdom literature, which is nothing less than the grace of God beautifying our daily lives.

The author wants to portray work and employment as a God-given calling. Work is not a punishment, but rather a gift from God to exercise a meaningful contribution in God’s creation. Man is called to work with a stewardship posture.

God is worthy of the daily worship of families. There is no direct, explicit commandment in Scripture about family worship, but the Bible certainly implies that God is to be worshipped in our homes. The author discusses this view with a number of scriptural examples and exhortations.

What is God’s purpose for marriage? Chapter 1 starts to answer this question by looking at what the Old Testament and the New Testament reveals about marriage. Its departure point is the foundational narrative in Genesis 1–3.

What is God’s purpose for marriage? Chapter 2 starts to answer this question by looking at what the Old Testament reveals about marriage. Its departure point is the foundational narrative in Genesis 1–3.

The authors of this book fear that there currently is a confusion over marriage and family. Chapter 1 is a description of this confusion and of their aim to provide a biblical theology of marriage.

The author tries to guide us as modern readers of Scripture to read and understand the Bible, which was written to others in such a manner that it speaks to us.

The purpose of reading and studying the Bible is communion with God.

In the New Testament we find many exhortations to persevere in the faith. The argument of the book and this chapter is that all believers everywhere need the warnings and admonitions of Scripture to continue in the grace of God.

In this chapter Wenham first gives a brief overview of the history of the use of the Psalms in congregational worship. He also discusses the specific impact of setting the words of the Psalms to music. Wenham further notes a secondary use of the Psalms, as a resource for private meditation and devotion. He suggests that the book of Psalms is a deliberately organized anthology designed for memorization.

The purpose of this book is to show that churches can do more together than they can do apart. What would encourage churches stretched thin by their own ministry needs and financial pressures, to engage in kingdom partnership? Bruno looks at what drove Paul and the Gentile churches to join together for a collection for the Jerusalem church. He notes three motivations that propelled this partnership: fellowship and unity, compassion, and mission.

Carson wants to get at the biblical basis for missions. The manner in which he does it is to focus on a specific passage: 2 Corinthians 4:1-12.

Chapter 2 is an exposition of 1 Kings 8. The emphasis is on God who displays himself as present in his glory and forgiveness.

Chapter 1 is an exposition of Exodus 19. The emphasis is on God who displays himself as present in a spectacular revelation.

Köstenberger exegetes John 3:16 within its original historical setting, its place within John’s narrative, and its theological context.

Chapter 1 considers the significance of Jesus Christ being called Son of God. In Scripture we see that Adam, Israel, King Solomon and Israel are all called “son of God.”

This chapter offers a history of how and why the Gospel Coalition was formed. At first it wanted to identify and strengthen the confessional foundation of evangelicalism, and so produced a confessional statement of its own that it discusses herein.

Through a study of the book of Ruth the author wants to demonstrate how faithful love (“hesed”) can transform us and our relationships with others. Chapter 3 focuses on Ruth 1:11-13.

Through a study of the book of Ruth the author wants to demonstrate how faithful love (“hesed”) can transform us and our relationships with others. Chapter 2 focuses on Ruth 1:8.

Through a study of the book of Ruth the author wants to demonstrate how faithful love ("hesed") can transform us and our relationships with others. Chapter 1 focuses on Ruth 1:1-5.

Chapter 1 is a popular and general introduction to the biblical prophets. The author focuses on the problems we must overcome to understand the prophets and the message of the prophets we must hear. Finally, Guthrie guides the reader to the person in the prophetical literature that the reader must see.

Chapter 1 introduces the nature, function, and purpose of the parables of Christ. The main theme of these parables is the kingdom of heaven that came near in him.

The Week 3-study provides an exploration of Romans 1:18 to Romans 3:20. The passage’s place in the letter is explained. This is followed by a short commentary on the text and reflection on its implications for the reader’s personal life.

The Week 2-study provides an exploration of Romans 1:1-17. The passage’s place in the letter is explained. This is followed by a short commentary on the text and reflection on its implications for the reader’s personal life.

The Week 1-study introduces on a popular level the letter to the Romans. The author places it in the larger story of the gospel and provides an overview of the content of the letter. At the end of the study, questions for further reflection are provided.

Preaching must be directed at a specific context. Preachers should be able to connect with their congregation and listeners. Helm emphasizes that contextualization in preaching is something different than trying to be “relevant.” This chapter address the problems that emerge when contextualization of the latter sort takes over the preacher when he is preparing his message.

The purpose of this volume is to provide primary sources from important authors with an apologetic concern. Chapter 1 provides an excerpt from Martin Luther, Concerning Christian Liberty (or On Christian Freedom), written in 1520. This work extols one of Luther’s central theological themes: justification by grace through faith. The excerpt is preceded by an introduction to the historical and theological context in which the work of Luther appeared.

In Chapter 1 the author argues that the health and wholeness of our human relationships find their source in the wholeness of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. His work enables husbands and fathers to grow in our relationship not only with God, but also with others, especially their wives and family.

The historical context of the origin of the Westminster Standards is vital to our having a fuller understanding of them. Chapter 2 surveys the historical and theological context that led to the formation of the Westminster Assembly and the creation of the Westminster Standards.

In the Introduction Köstenberger wants to challenge Evangelicalism on the direction it needs to take on the doctrine of Scripture. He reviews some of the presidential speeches of the Evangelical Theological Society to give an overview of the views held in the past by the movement and theological society.

Chapter 1 is an argument for the relevance of the 16th century Reformation for today.

Chapter 1 introduces the apostolic fathers. Their writings are the most important for understanding the first generations after the apostles. Chapter 1 introduces a number of authors who wrote from around the end of the first century to the middle of the second.

Chapter 1 is an exposition of Nehemiah 1 and Nehemiah 2. The exposition takes the historic setting of Nehemiah serious and the focus falls on the faithfulness of God in Israel’s return from exile.

The Introduction encourages readers to think about the nature and value of biblical exposition. It provides answers to three basic questions about biblical exposition: What?, Why?, and Where?

Chapter 1 is a biblical-theological introduction to the Gospel of Matthew. It introduces the usual issues like background (authorship, audience, purpose), structure and outline, message and theology (e.g., Matthew’s Christology), and a chronological overview.

In the Introduction Kruger explains what the biblical-theological approach to the New Testament entails.

Chapter 1 reads Genesis from a biblical-theological perspective demonstrating what it means to read the Bible to ascertain the main themes and theology of each book while also demonstrating that the Old Testament has a covenantal framework, a kingdom perspective, and Christ at its centre. The author notes the literary structure of Genesis and the importance of the covenants, and conducts a literary analysis to determine the leading theme or motif of Genesis.

The Bible is not a self-help guide, a religious encyclopaedia, a history textbook, a story, a legal code, a collection of ancient letters, or a religious handbook. Rather, the Bible is the testimony of God’s good news in Jesus Christ. The Introduction explores what it means to read the Bible to ascertain the main themes and theology of each book while also demonstrating that the Old Testament has a covenantal framework, a kingdom perspective, and Christ at its centre.