Been There Read That

Books That Everyone Owns But Nobody Reads

Today we discuss how people build their libraries and wind up with a lot of books that they don't read.  Beyond discussing individual books and sets found unused in most libraries we discuss issues of why the books were purchased and why they go unused.  We hope this episode will provide listeners with some insights into how to avoid making mistakes in building their libraries, challenge them to read more, and motivate some to finally get around to reading books that they have put off reading for years.

Book Review: The Gospel According to Jonah: Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy by Bryan Estelle

Today’s episode provides a full length review of Bryan D. Estelle’s book Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy: The Gospel According to Jonah. Pick up a copy in our bookstore HERE. Along the way we discuss issues such as historical accuracy, structure, typology, parallelism, turning points, salvation, repentance, open theology, and regression. Estelle’s book brings a neglected gem into the light and causes the reader to marvel at it grandeur. Our hope is that our review will provoke our listeners to pick up a copy of this great resource and rediscover some forgotten truths in God’s Word.

Other Books Referenced include:

Jesus and Jonah by J. W. McGarvey

Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale

A Primer on Exodus Commentaries

Today's episode introduces listeners to some commentaries on the Book of Exodus.  The list of commentaries discussed is by no means exhaustive, but there are some helpful points for those wishing to study this fascinating book of the Bible.  We begin with a discussion of why it is important to study Exodus, and we conclude with a specific look a J. A. Motyer's commentary on Exodus.

Commentaries Referenced:

Devotional Read:
Exodus: The Lord and His Pilgrims

Introductory/Moderate Read
Exodus by J. A. Motyer (Bible Speaks Today Series)
Exodus a Commentary by James E. Smith

More Critical Works:
Commentary on Exodus by Umberto Caussuto
A Commentary on Exodus by Duane Garrett (Kregel Exegetical Library)
New American Commentary on Exodus by Douglas Stuart 
Exodus by T. Desmond Alexander (Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series)
Exodus: A Mentor Commentary by John L. MacKay
Exodus by Bevard Childs (Old Testament Library Series)

 

Zechariah 4 and the Two Olive Trees

In todays episode I discuss some of my recent findings within the books of Revelation and Zechariah.  In Revelation 11:4 the Bible speaks of two witnesses who are represented as  two olive trees and two lampstands.  What is the meaning behind the symbolism of lampstands and olive trees?  The olive tree symbolism of Revelation 11:4 is taken from Zechariah 4, but merely acknowledging the borrowing does not explain the symbolism.  Join us as we discuss this fascinating piece of Biblical prophecy.

Books Referenced:

Zechariah: A Christian Interpretation by James E. Smith 

ESV Expository Commentary on Zechariah by Anthony Peterson

 

To download George Battey's series on the Book of Revelation go to: www.IndyChurchofChrist.com

Commentary Sets: Pros, Cons, and Controversies

In today’s episode we discuss the pros, cons, and controversies surrounding the use of commentary sets. Should we even use commentaries? Should we only use commentaries from a church of Christ background? Are commentary sets more helpful that individual commentaries? These and other questions are address and hopefully the answers provided are helpful.

Books that receive honorable mention include:

Between the Cross and the Throne by Matthew Emmerson
God With Us by D. A. Carson
The Lamb, the Woman, and the Dragon by Albertus Pieters
Worthy is the Lamb by Ray Summers
Contending For the Faith: Matthew by John M. Criswell
New International Greek Testament Commentary on Revelation by G. K. Beale
New International Commentary of the New Testament on Matthew by R. T. France

Book Review with Jamie Thomson: Genesis by Richard P. Belcher Jr.

Jamie Thomson joins today’s episode to discuss Richard P. Belcher’s commentary on Genesis from the Focus on the Bible Commentary Series. We discuss Belcher’s background, the purpose and focus of his commentary, the benefits and hang-ups of his work, and much more in this round-table discussion.

 

Other books mentioned in today’s episode include:

 

Finding Favor in the Sight of God by Richard P. Belcher Jr. (part of the New Studies in Biblical Theology Series)

Isaiah by Alan Harmon (part of the Focus on the Bible Commentary Series)

Joshua-2Kings by Dale Ralph Davis (part of the Focus on the Bible Commentary Series)

The New American Commentary on Genesis by Kenneth Mathews

Do You Know James E. Smith?

Today I want to introduce my listeners to one of my favorite authors: James E. Smith.  
If you are not familiar with Smith's writings it's time to get acquainted.  Smith is a prolific writer on the Old Testament who holds a high view of inspiration and conservative approach to Biblical interpretation.  

Most of the books discussed in today's episode can be found in our bookstore at ChristianResearcher.com and  include:

Biblical Protology
Introduction to Biblical Studies
Bible Survey
A Christian View of the Old Testament
Biblical Typology
The Promised Messiah
Exploring Mt. Zion
Is There Any Word From The Lord?
Biblical Prophetism
Which Books Belong in the Bible?

God's Law Our Compass (This is the one book Smith has written that I do not recommend).

Reading With Aaron Battey

In Part 2 of my interview with Aaron Battey we discuss reading goals, Bible reading plans, books that have had the greatest impact on his thinking (outside the Bible), books he recommends, study helps, tips, tools, and more.  If you haven’t checked out Aaron’s website be sure to take a look @ www.fiveminutebiblestudy.com .

 

Books discussed this week include:

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek
Drawing Water From The Wells of Salvation by Doug Edwards
Introduction to Biblical Studies by James E. Smith
The Origin of the Bible by Philip Comfort
The Unfolding Mystery by Edmond Clowney
The Man Who Gave God an English Voice by David Teems

Interview With Aaron Battey: Learning From The Greats

Young aspiring evangelist Aaron Battey (a.k.a my brother) stopped in the studio today to discuss the training he has recently undergone with two evangelists in preparation for going into the field full-time..  In particular, reading assignments and tools that he was introduced to along the way. 

Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland Review

Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland is a fascinating book that challenges Christians to develop their intellectual mind for the glory of God.  We provide an in-depth review of the Pros and Cons to both provoke listeners to read the book and help equip them to avoid a few pitfalls they will encounter along the way. 

Other books referenced/recommended along the way include:

Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland (2nd edition)
The King Jesus Gospel by Scott McKnight
Debate Notes on Bible Classes by George F. Battey
A Weed in the Church by Scott T. Brown
God and Government by Lee M. Rogers
Civil Government by David Lipscomb
The Final Word by O. Palmer Robertson