Read the New Testament missionally

Just published, Laansma, Osbourne & Van Neste, New Testament Theology in Light of the Church's Mission. Excellent book that throws new light on how to read the New Testament with an eye to our twenty-first century call to mission. It isn't surprising that understanding mission needs careful consideration of the context (our generation) and also of the scriptural mandate. Worth getting hold of!

San Francisco

I've just returned from San Francisco having been to the excellent ETS/SBL conferences there. Couldn't help notice the many homeless people on the streets of the beautiful city. They ask for money at every opportunity, and conclude with 'Have a nice day!' There was irony there somewhere, surely!

devious

Just read Joanne Harris, Blueeyedboy - journal blogs, devious relationships, fractured families, no where to go . . . a great postmodern read - authentic, scarey, and sadly reflecting some people's experience of life today! A great read, but tremendous insight, too!

Prayer

I think I remember that the evangelist DL Moody had a list of 100 friends and prayed for their conversion throughout his life. During that time 96 came to the Lord. The other four were converted during his funeral! God answers faithful, persistent prayer.

Reading with purpose.

‘I haven’t the faintest interest in any theology which doesn’t help us to evangelize,' James Denney.

Resurrection life

The most important thing a pastor does, according to Eugene Peterson, is to say to his congregation, 'Let us worship God.' He continues, 'Worship becomes a place where we have our lives redefined for us.' Worship comes from resurrection life. That transforms my thinking and practice!

Anthony Thiselton

http://www.religiousintelligence.org/churchnewspaper/eos/anthony-thiselton-50-years-of-ministry/

This is worth a read on Anthony Thiselton. Paternoster has a brilliant book out next year (Sept, 2012), Robert Knowles, Anthony Thiselton and the Grammar of Hermeneutics. One reader has dubbed it 'a formidable and landmark commentary on the career-long project of Anthony Thiselton' and 'a milestone in the field'. Why not order it now?

Monday again!

The start of the week makes you think of new, fresh beginnings in life, the grace of our unbelievable God, and the love of Jesus Christ. Doesn't it? Or are we caught up in something else?

The Trinity

Two new books on the Trinity. Already being hailed as one of the most important books on the subject, Steve Holmes, The Holy Trinity - published by Paternoster in September. A straightforward, accessible book on the subject: Michael Reeves, The Good God. Enjoying Father, Son and Spirit - out next year.

preaching and the day after

Shattered today - preached yesterday! Any connection?

Tyndale again

Off to Cambridge again. It never ceases to amaze me that so much can be found in Scripture. Looking forward to a couple of interesting days of learning and fellowship.

Tyndale Study Groups

Cambridge, Tyndale Study Groups, academics and their work, selling good Paternoster titles - what could be better?

Share a book.

Share a book with someone. You might change their thinking. You might change their life.

Our moment

'What God does first and best and most is to trust men (and women) with their moment in history,' Walter Brueggemann.  The question that confronts us is what are we doing with this moment for the Kingdom of God and for the world?

Living with Other Creatures

With a chapter on Reading the Sermon on the Mount in an Age of Ecological Catastrophe Richard Bauckham's new book, Living with Other Creatures, speaks wisdom to this current age. Out in September

new day, new passion

Reading through Paul Hedley Jones, Sharing God's Passion (March, 2012). Best seller in the making! Might even change lives for the kingdom.

Atonement

'The whole creation is involved in reconciliation - a cosmic peace. Reconciliation is identical with the living person of Christ' T.F. Torrance. Those two statements are enough to fill eternity's thinking! Read more in Torrance's remarkable work, Atonement. The Person and Work of Christ

Psalms in their Context

John Crutchfield, Psalms in their Context, is an excellent, innovative book that helps us to read the text more thoughtfully and to worship God more meaningfully. Ester Petrenko, Created in Christ Jesus, on Ephesians demonstrates that we are in Christ for a purpose - to be transformed into his image, to be missional in our culture. Both well worth a read! Published June 2011.

Understanding Jesus by Peter Williams

http://www.youtube.com/user/theauthenticchannel#p/a/u/2/avGNIVGeA9s

Out very soon and well worth a look!