Recommended
Books
Last updated: 8/23/01
How
To Prepare Bible Messages
James Braga, Multnomah Publishers,
1982, 257 pages
This is a how-to-do-it book that lives
up to its promise. James Braga sets forth clearly and logically the step-by
step process of preparing and delivering an effective sermon. Instructions
are spelled out simply, so even a novice can follow them without a teacher's
help. The method he presents combines recognized techniques of secular
public speaking with time-tested theories of preaching. After thoroughly
covering the principal types of biblical sermons and stressing the value
of expository preaching, Mr. Braga carefully breaks down and discusses
the mechanics of sermon construction. the revised edition includes an updated
bibliography, additional examples, a new comprehensive index, and added
steps which make sermon preparation easier than ever before.
Exegetical
Fallacies
D. A. Carson, Baker Books, 1996,
148 pages
Carson's book helps the student of
scripture to avoid many of the logical and linguistic pitfalls which result
in erroneous interpretation. This book should be required reading for all
Bible class teachers, deacons, elders, and preachers. By example from actual
books, Carson illustrates many of the pitfalls he discusses.
New
Testament History; A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of
Acts
Gareth L. Reese, College Press,
1976, 1046 pages
A mammoth volume that stands alone
as the leading research and exhaustive study on the book of Acts. Includes
special studies on various topics, such as The Person And Work Of The Holy
Spirit, Speaking In Tongues, The Sects Of The Jews, Church Discipline,
Demons And Demon Possession, The Faith That Saves, The Lord's Supper, and
many others. Includes many maps and charts throughout.
Early
Christians Speak - Faith And Life In The First Three Centuries
Everett Ferguson, ACU Press, 1999
A scholarly but highly readable study
of the development of early Christian faith and practice. Based on writers
of the first three centuries, topics include The Faith Preached and Believed,
Baptism In The Second Century, The Beginning of Infant Baptism, The Christian
Assemblies, Early Accounts of the Lord's Supper, Early Prayers, Early Hymns,
The Organization of the Early Church, Acts of Mercy, The Christian and
Military Service, Women in the Early Church.
What
Christians Believe - A Biblical And Historical Survey
Alan F. Johnson and Robert E. Webber,
Zondervan, 1989
This book surveys main themes of theology
from pre-Mosaic biblical times up to contemporary thought. Topics include
The Bible, God, Salvation, The Church, and End Times. On each subject the
authors provide both a Biblical and historical summary. While the Biblical
summaries betray their own theological bias, the historical summaries provide
a very helpful guide to understanding what has been believed by Calvinists,
Arminians, dispensationalists, non-dispensationalists, and other theological
perspectives.
A
Dictionary Of Early Christian Beliefs
David W. Bercot, Editor, Hendrickson
Publishers, 1998
A compendium of quotations culled
from the ten volume Ante-Nicene Fathers and arranged by subject for quick
reference. The quotes include comments on 700 theological, moral, and historical
topics from prominent figures such as Origen, Clement of Alexandria, Clement
of Rome, and Hippolytus.
Will
The Real Heretics Please Stand Up?
David W. Bercot, Scroll Publishing
Co., 1989
A look at today's evangelical church
in the light of early Christianity. The author compares the views commonly
held today regarding baptism, apostasy, predestination, salvation and other
doctrines with the writings and views of the early Christians, including
some who personally knew the apostles. Thought-provoking and challenging.
Baptism
In The New Testament
George R. Beasley-Murray, William
B. Eerdmans, 1994, 432 pages
This is an excellent treatment of
the subject, by one of the foremost scholars among the Baptist denomination.
He readily admits that his conclusions run counter to the views held by
those in his own denomination.
Baptism
And The Remission Of Sins
David Fletcher, ed., College Press,
1993, 400 pages
This collection of articles surveys
throughout church history the view that baptism is for the remission of
sins. It also discusses controversies surrounding "re-baptism."
The
Bible & The Future
Anthony A. Hoekema, William B.
Eerdmans, 1994
This book is divided into two sections.
The first deals with inaugurated eschatology, the present enjoyment of
eschatological blessings by the redeemed community. It considers such topics
as the kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit and eschatology, and the tension
between the "already" and the "not yet." The second part deals with future
eschatology, specific details concerning last things. Matters of significance
to individuals - physical death, immortality, and the intermediate state
- are discussed, as well as aspects of cosmic eschatology - the signs of
the times, the Second Coming, the millenium, the resurrection of the body,
the final judgment, and the new earth. It analyzes all four major views:
the postmillenial, the historic premillenial, the dispensational premillenial,
and the amillenial.
Worthy
Is The Lamb
Ray Summers, Broadman & Holman
Publishers, 1951
One of my favorite commentaries on
the Book of Revelation. Describes the historical background and nature
of apocalyptic literature necessary to understand the book. Clearly outlined
and carefully documented, it offers a balanced and constructive interpretation.
Life
In The Son
Robert Shank, Bethany House Publishers,
1989
This book addresses the issue of the
security of the believer. Does the Bible teach "once saved, always saved"?
The author demonstrates how our security is in Christ. As long as we remain
in Christ, our salvation is secure. But this security is conditional, conditioned
upon our remaining faithful to Jesus as His obedient disciples.
Elect
In The Son
Robert Shank, Bethany House Publishers,
1989
This book provides a comprehensive
treatment of election. Has God predestined certain individuals to be saved,
leaving all others to be lost? Shank advocates class or corporate election,
in which God has chosen the Body (i.e, the church) to be His special people,
with entrance into the Body through an obedient faith. He makes a strong
case for the position that Christ died for all and desires all to be saved
(contrary to the Calvinistic doctrine of election).
More to come...
|
Home
Page
|
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001