Christian life
A selection of titles for your Living Faith.
{"id":3178537517156,"title":"God's Word for Messy People: 31 Bible readings and reflections","handle":"gods-word-for-messy-people-31-bible-readings-and-reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWanting to go deeper in your journey as a Messy Church leader or helper, or are you just curious about what makes Messy Church a way of being church together? This accessible booklet contains 31 short Bible passages, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, exploring the core values of Messy Church and reinforcing the creativity, hospitality, joy, inclusivity and character of Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LucyMoore_480x480.jpg?v=1676494651\" width=\"201\" height=\"201\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-03-26T14:47:11+00:00","created_at":"2019-03-26T14:53:39+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Jun-19","Messy Church books"],"price":399,"price_min":399,"price_max":399,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":26075519975524,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467492","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God's Word for Messy People: 31 Bible readings and reflections","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":399,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467492","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264195428491,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":650,"width":467,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022"},"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022","width":467}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWanting to go deeper in your journey as a Messy Church leader or helper, or are you just curious about what makes Messy Church a way of being church together? This accessible booklet contains 31 short Bible passages, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, exploring the core values of Messy Church and reinforcing the creativity, hospitality, joy, inclusivity and character of Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LucyMoore_480x480.jpg?v=1676494651\" width=\"201\" height=\"201\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God's Word for Messy People: 31 Bible readings and reflections
£3.99
Wanting to go deeper in your journey as a Messy Church leader or helper, or are you just curious about...
{"id":2920877391972,"title":"When You Pray: Daily Bible reflections on the Lord's Prayer","handle":"when-you-pray-daily-bible-reflections-on-the-lords-prayer","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this updated edition of a classic text, Joanna Collicutt shows how growing as a Christian is rooted in the prayer Jesus gave us. As we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we express our relationship with God, absorb gospel values and are also motivated to live them out. As we pray to the Father, in union with the Son, through the power of the Spirit, so we begin to take on the character of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt is Karl Jaspers Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon. She is also an associate minister in an Oxfordshire parish. Her other books include \u003cem\u003eThe Psychology of Christian Character Formation\u003c\/em\u003e (SCM, 2015), \u003cem\u003eThinking of You: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2017) and \u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy: Making space for families to talk about death and life together\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2019).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Her literary style is delightfully unstuffy, tight, direct, and humorous. Collicutt comes across as a familiar friend, a fellow traveller who understands and empathises with the human condition, boldly walking with you to draw you to your true home.’\u003cbr\u003eDavid Wilbourne, former Assistant Bishop of Llandaff\u003cbr\u003ePreviously published as a BRF Lent Book.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-27T11:35:57+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-27T11:37:18+00:00","vendor":"Joanna Collicutt","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","May-19","Prayer"],"price":1099,"price_min":1099,"price_max":1099,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24703465685092,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468673","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"When You Pray: Daily Bible reflections on the Lord's Prayer","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1099,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468673","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1551267441"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1551267441","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3260489597067,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1551267441"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1551267441","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this updated edition of a classic text, Joanna Collicutt shows how growing as a Christian is rooted in the prayer Jesus gave us. As we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we express our relationship with God, absorb gospel values and are also motivated to live them out. As we pray to the Father, in union with the Son, through the power of the Spirit, so we begin to take on the character of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt is Karl Jaspers Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon. She is also an associate minister in an Oxfordshire parish. Her other books include \u003cem\u003eThe Psychology of Christian Character Formation\u003c\/em\u003e (SCM, 2015), \u003cem\u003eThinking of You: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2017) and \u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy: Making space for families to talk about death and life together\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2019).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Her literary style is delightfully unstuffy, tight, direct, and humorous. Collicutt comes across as a familiar friend, a fellow traveller who understands and empathises with the human condition, boldly walking with you to draw you to your true home.’\u003cbr\u003eDavid Wilbourne, former Assistant Bishop of Llandaff\u003cbr\u003ePreviously published as a BRF Lent Book.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
When You Pray: Daily Bible reflections on the Lord's Prayer
£10.99
In this updated edition of a classic text, Joanna Collicutt shows how growing as a Christian is rooted in the...
{"id":2920842592356,"title":"God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Wrestling honestly with the Old Testament","handle":"god-of-violence-yesterday-god-of-love-today-wrestling-honestly-with-the-old-testament","description":"\u003cp\u003eDo you find the violence in the Old Testament a problem?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDoes it get in the way of reading the Bible – and of faith itself?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile acknowledging that there are no easy answers, in \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today\u003c\/em\u003e?, Helen Paynter faces the tough questions head-on and offers a fresh, accessible approach to a significant issue. For all those seeking to engage with the Bible and gain confidence in the God it portrays, she provides tools for reading and interpreting biblical texts, and points to ways of dealing with the overall trajectories of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HelenPaynterseriousface_480x480.jpg?v=1676497452\" width=\"284\" height=\"189\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing a first career in medicine, Helen Paynter is now a Baptist minister, Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College, and Editor of BRF’s Guidelines Bible reading notes. Helen is passionate about helping people to get to grips with the Bible because she has seen its power to transform lives. She loves to study it, preach it, teach it, and encourage others to study and understand it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Copan, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at the Palm Beach Atlantic University, the author of 'Is God a Moral Monster?', and the co-author of 'Did God Really Command Genocide?'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s exploration of Old Testament ethical challenges is insightful, balanced and honest. I appreciate the fact that she does not deny divine severity while putting in perspective God's goodness. She admits that she is still wrestling and learning, as indeed I am. She humbly but boldly approaches an array of key topics and she writes with deep pastoral concern. Her treatment of the imprecatory psalms is particularly effective and illuminating. While I have a few quibbles here and there, I want to emphasize the spirit, the breadth, and the balance of this book. It sheds light on a complex and controversial subject, encouraging further conversation and deeper understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev'd Dr. Lissa M. Wray Beal, Professor of Old Testament, Chair, Seminary Bible and Theology Department, Providence University College and Theological Seminary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Honestly wrestling with the Old Testament\u003c\/em\u003e, Helen Paynter tackles problematic texts of violence in the Old Testament. The questions Paynter asks are pressing ones today, and she sketches out the complex issues clearly but without undue oversimplification. Outlining valuable principles of interpretation and applying them in worked examples, the author’s candor and pastoral attentiveness invite readers into the conversation. The volume models Christian engagement with the biblical text and shows the value of \u003cem\u003ehonest wrestling\u003c\/em\u003e within the text’s own vision of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e. Providing tools to think not only about specific texts of violence, but the biblical text more broadly, it is a welcome and compact initial resource for Christian laypeople troubled by biblical texts of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Meredith Editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn lucid prose Helen Paynter argues that violence featured in the biblical canon should not be ignored or denied but acknowledged and faced honestly. While history is played out in a broken and often violent world the author shows how the movement of scripture is toward God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness. Without providing final answers Paynter offers ways of interpreting even the most violent passages so that we may hear God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins, gender justice specialist: see \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliecollins.info\/\"\u003ewww.nataliecollins.info\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eTweets as GodLovesWomen and wrote \u003cem\u003eOut of Control: Couples, Conflict and the Capacity for Change\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis relatively small book faces some massive theological questions about the nature of violence in the Old Testament. Exploring different types of violence in the Bible, including that against animals, and perhaps the most troubling, when it appears that God commands genocide, Helen Paynter expertly guides us through complex theological terrain and explains this complexity in down to earth and easily accessible ways. This book is ideal for someone with no\u003cbr\u003etheological training to begin exploring challenging elements of the Bible, with those with formal theological training also able to learn from her. Those in church leadership should read this book so they are able to recommend it to their congregations. While challenging, the book seems to be pitched to a conservative 'Bible believing' audience, which may jar with those who have a more liberal approach to Scripture, but overall it’s a great, engaging, manageably short book. As Helen says, she can’t wholly resolve the tensions of the most problematic texts, but she does give much food for thought and some\u003cbr\u003etools for Christians who want to more ably identify where God is in the text and what God is saying to us through it.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheology 2019, Vol 122(6). Review by Robin Gill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and director of the new Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol. This accessible and refreshingly honest paperback, published by The Bible Reading Fellowship is very welcome indeed. It examines carefully some of the most troublesome texts in the Old Testament and it does so in stages, as she explains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'First, we will consider instances where violence is \u003cem\u003ede\u003c\/em\u003escribed, not \u003cem\u003epre\u003c\/em\u003escribed\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eNext we will look at places – mainly the psalms – where violence is implored: where the psalmist prays for vengeance. Third, we will consider the issue of violence against animals, particularly the flood story and the system of animal sacrifice. Fourth, we will look at the use of violence as divine judgement. And fifth, we will look at the knottiest problem of all: the texts where God appears to command people to be violent to one another. At the end of most of the chapters in this section I offer some more practical suggestions. How should we handle these texts in our churches – in our pulpits, our home groups, our Sunday schools? And then, in the final chapter, we will ‘zoom back out’ and take a look at the big picture of the bible.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing particularly novel about any of this, but that is not the point. Her message needs to be heard in a context of widespread fear of religiously inspired violence. This small book and her new Centre make an excellent contribution to greater understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Robin Gill\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnabaptism Today Autumn 2019. Review by Alexandra Ellish\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people from both within and outside of church communities are confused and uncomfortable with accounts of violence in the Scriptures, and the all too frequent appeal to biblical sources to justify modern-day warfare, military action and the ownership of weapons. In this helpful and accessible book, Helen Paynter seeks to address some of the questions and issues raised by texts containing violence in the Old Testament and considers how we might interpret and understand them today. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two sections. Part One sets out some essential foundations – reading the Bible as God’s word; defining and understanding violence within the ancient world; and some possible tools for interpretation. The second part of the book considers five types of violence, ranging with increasing complexity from: texts with descriptive versus prescriptive accounts of violence; texts imploring the use of violence; the sacrificial system and a consideration of the flood; violence as used in accounts of divine judgement; and finally texts in which God seems to be commanding violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen reading violence contained in the psalms, the author notes the importance of paying attention to the psalmist’s use of language – particularly allegory and metaphor – to argue for a deeper reading of the texts. While there are psalms calling for God to punish enemies, this desire is usually held in tension with an acknowledgement of ultimate trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Paynter suggests that psalms which implore God to use violence to exact vengeance on enemies or oppressors have cathartic value in the context of communal worship – that these psalms remind us that we can bring all of our experiences and humanity to God in worship. Paynter advocates using the imprecatory psalms in worship today by depersonalising the ‘enemies’ of God and people to include issues around ecological catastrophe, serious and debilitating illness, domestic violence and all things which result in death. As the church frequently draws on the psalms of joy and thanksgiving for times of celebration and praise, this encouragement takes seriously the possibility of expressing painful, difficult and angry feelings that we have, in the context of a community of faith which trusts that God is in charge and loves his people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fourth chapter considers violence in divine judgement as a reminder of the nature of God as a just judge who is our friend and ‘brother’ but is also ‘unbearable’ in his holiness. Paynter discusses the positive aspects of the law of \u003cem\u003etalion\u003c\/em\u003e which, she argues, Jesus extends rather than repudiates. The penultimate chapter is devoted to texts where violence is explicitly commanded by God. This chapter covers the most difficult passages, where Paynter untangles the complexity of defining the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e. This word is often translated as ‘utterly destroy’ or ‘devote to complete destruction’ but its meaning is somewhat veiled. Paynter suggests that \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e ‘does not always involve killing or destroying’ but that ‘\u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e sometimes involves killing’ (p. 128). She states that she cannot offer a definitive answer to the questions surrounding conquest and apparent mass killing, but that the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem \u003c\/em\u003eis used for rhetorical and hyperbolic purposes to portray events in a particular way in the ancient world. Paynter’s honesty and humility in the recognition that her offering might be only partially satisfactory and her desire to continue to ‘nibble’ (p. 153) at the issue alongside others is immensely refreshing and rare! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the final chapter, Paynter considers the arc of the biblical narrative and argues that the vision of God demonstrated throughout the Scriptures is for \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for all of creation. While I was pleased to see the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e included in the book, I thought that more could have been made of this subject and how we might understand \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e in relation to violence in the Old Testament. Similarly, in an early chapter the centrality of the life and person of Jesus as a lens for interpretation is briefly mentioned but not elaborated. Since I come to the topic of violence with Anabaptist convictions, perhaps it is no surprise that I would have enjoyed a fuller consideration of these subjects earlier in the book, instead of waiting until the final chapter for a somewhat limited exploration of the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter assumes that the value of the image of the eating of the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden and the subsequent ‘fall’ is to explain the entry of death, competition and violence into the world. This understanding all too easily reduces Jesus to nothing more than a rescuer come to reverse the fall. I am not sure how helpful this is. \u003cem\u003eShalom\u003c\/em\u003e is the narrative arc of our Scriptures; Jesus who is the Christ is\/was, in my view, always going to be the incarnation of God on earth as a pattern for humanity. This impacts how we understand the crucifixion of Jesus, and I would have been interested to read more from Paynter on this issue. Particularly for our western Protestant tradition, which has largely abandoned other atonement theories to focus on the (arguably violent) theory of penal substitution, are there more appropriate ways of exploring and articulating the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ which fulfil rather than undermine a \u003cem\u003eshalom \u003c\/em\u003enarrative?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter is categorical in her rejection of the appropriation of violence from the Old Testament texts for today, and also touches very briefly on the inappropriate conflation of the historic nation of Israel and the modern state. More on this issue would have been instructive, particularly as many pro-Israel churches support the government and its policies of occupation in Palestine based on their understanding of texts from the Old Testament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found Paynter’s writing style clear and engaging. She uses interesting and relevant examples to illustrate the issues she is dealing with, often drawing on contemporary stories. It is clear that Paynter is passionate about the importance of the Old Testament for personal and corporate faith today, and she argues persuasively for and offers numerous practical suggestions for wrestling with the Scriptures communally and individually. Paynter also suggests a wide range of other books for the reader to delve more deeply into the issues she has raised. I look forward to further publications from Paynter as she continues to wrestle with the Bible, in search of fresh insight and understanding to inform our discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alexandra Ellish, London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Ministers Journal. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is timely, courageous and good. I therefore strongly recommend it to you and your church members. Revd Dr Helen Paynter of Bristol Baptist College has tackled one of the hot issues of the moment, the violence in the Old Testament (OT). It’s unlikely that you have not been asked about this by someone within or outside your congregation; if not, you’ll get the question soon: ‘How can a loving God condone and even order so much violence?’ Paynter helps you to give a Bible-based answer. She does not follow the common escape routes of either denying that this is what the OT really says or ascribing the violence to human authors who had not quite understood God. Instead she listens attentively to what the OT really says.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is in two parts, the first of which is a general introduction to the Bible and how to read it well. Paynter explains that her approach will be biblical and Christocentric, and she defends the position of the OT within the Christian scriptures. As a potted hermeneutic this part of the book has a more general value. For example, readers learn about the various genres in the Bible and about the distinction between description and endorsement. Here we also find a useful chapter on what violence is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the second part Paynter tackles the OT in concentric circles, beginning with the relatively simple texts in which violence is merely described. This is followed by texts in which violence is deplored, psalms which call upon God to use violence, texts about violence against animals and texts in which the use of violence is part of a divine judgement. Throughout her discussions are careful and helpful. Paynter’s response to the usual argument that the Canaanites deserved to be punished for their wickedness was a surprise to me; if you want to know what it is, buy and read the book! The final chapter, intended as a positive counterpart to the preceding misery, deals with God’s plan of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for his good creation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout Paynter’s tone is humble. She is honest about her own struggles and about points where she is uncertain. She refers to the book of Joshua as something that ‘feels alien and disturbing’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the most part, the book is easy to read; at times it is almost basic, which means that it is largely right for many church members. At the end of the chapters there are summaries and the notes are tucked away as end-notes. Some may find it uncomfortable that Paynter describes the flood as a myth (94-95), but that should not distract anybody.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo it is a perfect book? No, because it contains some typos and there is no index of texts. Some elements of the discussion might still be complicated for ‘lay people’. I would also have liked to read a bit more about the character of God. But these minor quibbles are just that: minor quibbles. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, issue 20, Autumn 2019. Review by Tom Wharin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the third book I’ve read on the subject of violence in the Bible in the last couple of years and it is also the most helpful. \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence yesterday, God of Love Today? \u003c\/em\u003eHas a clear and helpful structure even if the title is a bit of a mouthful. Helen Paynter starts by laying out her unapologetically Christocentric hermeneutic (to which I also subscribe). She then works through the biblical texts containing violence, from the ones she regards as least troubling (violence implored by the writer) to the ones she considers most troubling (violence commanded by God).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book does contain plenty of literary and historical-critical arguments which won’t appeal to a wide popular audience but Helen Paynter is very readable. Theological concepts are well explained with reference to everyday events, familiar news and historical stories. In addition to her marshalling her own thoughts well, Helen Paynter draws on and explains some of the best arguments in John H. Walton \u0026amp; J. Harvey Walton’s and Greg Boyd’s books (among others) in a way that makes them more accessible to readers like me than the originals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an apologia for violence in the Bible to twenty-first century western culture, the book as a whole feels like a pretty solid bridge two-thirds of the way across a cultural canyon. The reader is left with more construction to do on either cliff or both, and the author honestly acknowledges this as our work and hers in the introduction and conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI will definitely be recommending this book to anyone from sixth form up who is serious about engaging with God’s word on this subject. The structure will make it easy to dip back into for sermon references and it will serve very well as an introduction to this area of apologetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Tom Wharin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 16 August, 2019. Summer paperback roundup by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e the author Helen Paynter has tried to tackle one of the most difficult questions of biblical theology. Why is it that the God of the Old Testament seems to sanction war and what we might today call ethnic cleansing, while the God of the New Testament seems to be all about love? This simple stereotyping of the argument is well dealt with, giving us many ideas to reflect on. She does not come to easy answers, but you will feel considerably better informed. This is a book to read a couple of times and perhaps to share with a reading group to think through the many issues that it raises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Ball, GOLD Project, July 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short book deals with one of the thorniest subjects for Christians who believe that God is love and at the same time believe that the Christian Scriptures in their totality are God’s word to us. Helen Paynter does not shy away from any of the challenges that passages of violence in the Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament, bring to a theology of God’s love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart one introduces us to some key skills for interpreting the Old Testament. God’s goodness and the ultimate revelation of this in Jesus Christ sets the theological foundation by which we are to interpret the Scriptures. From this starting point, we are ably guided through what we do and what we don’t mean when we speak of the Bible as God’s Word to us. Here the indispensable place of the Old Testament for our Christian faith is emphasised. If we need a clear theological foundation to interpret the Bible responsibly, we also need a clear understanding of the issue we are dealing with. For this we are led through a careful discussion of the complexity of violence and how it manifests itself in society. This prepares us to look at the nature of the Old Testament and especially the challenge to understand the worldview of its writers and audience which is so often far removed from our own. Reading each passage of the Old Testament in the context of the big story of Scripture, understanding the type of literature that we are reading and wrestling with the meaning of the text are all key skills to hearing the message better. Another important reminder is to let different and apparently contradictory narratives or themes contribute to the big picture of how Scripture conveys a multi-layered voice on key issues such as human kingship. All of these skills prepare us to address the particular issue of violence and the Bible in more depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart two does precisely this. Here we engage with the texts of violence under five (increasingly problematic) headings: Violence described, Violence implored, Violence against animals, Violence as divine judgement, Violence commanded. In each of these chapters, a clear attempt is made to compare and contrast the biblical context with our own and to draw out the significance of texts for our own day. We are carefully guided through the different types of violence each of which demand a different response. For example, describing violence in both the Old Testament and our own day does not necessarily endorse it. On the contrary, it often gives a voice to victims who would otherwise be denied justice and a hearing. Imploring violence is better than actual violence and is not necessarily endorsed by the text either. As we are led into the more problematic aspects of violence in the Old Testament, we are necessarily introduced to more technical aspects of biblical interpretation. Nevertheless, these are explained clearly. While not everyone will agree with some of the readings of the Old Testament, what becomes clear is that it is possible to grapple with even the most difficult Old Testament texts and not lose our integrity as those who believe in a just and loving God revealed in the totality of our Scriptures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final chapter seeks to bring a resolution and explain that the trajectory of the biblical narrative is towards the biblical idea of shalom. Normally translated ‘peace’ the ‘core meaning relates to completeness or intactness and the range of meanings includes prosperity, welfare, good relationships, deliverance and health’ (p.157) It is a vision of this shalom that drives the narrative of the Bible forward from its beginning in Genesis to its conclusion in the New Testament book of Revelation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe skill of interpreting the Bible responsibly in today’s world is one that anyone can learn. It is not easy and involves a struggle, but, above all, this is the significance of this book. For, while it addresses the particularly thorny issue of violence, it does far more than this. It gives us a practical model of how to wrestle with difficult issues in the Bible and society, seeking to listen to each text within the big framework of Scripture and to understand how this relates to our own context. Through this process, we can learn the skills of hearing God’s voice for today even in the difficult parts of the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by David Ball, GOLD Project\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July\/August 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly apposite book for our current political situation. John Lennon wrote the song ‘Imagine’, longing for a peaceful world, assuming that religion is one of the main causes of conflict. It would be lovely to be able to say that Christian scriptures do not advocate violence, or that only the Old Testament shows God as angry and violent. The temptation is to avoid difficult and violent Bible passages. Yet, the Old Testament is an essential part of the Christian scriptures. Helen Paynter shows that it is too simplistic to separate the Old Testament from the New.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter acknowledges that violence is apparently directed and endorsed by God in Old Testament texts. In an intellectually rigorous and accessible way, Paynter wrestles with each text to show that in many cases, the violence may become more understandable, and in some cases may be fully explained. She shows that each story needs to be carefully read in the context of ancient Hebrew language and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, Paynter compares the battle of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17 – in which David beheads Goliath – with Adam and Eve’s temptation by the serpent (Genesis 3). In both stories, there is a battle that will determine who has dominion and an evil force mocks God’s favoured. In the latter story, God curses the serpent and says that he will bruise the serpent’s head. God will have victory in the end. Though David – God’s chosen king, descended of Eve – is mocked by the giant who defies God, he is victorious. The pattern points to a greater king to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter warns of the need to be careful how these passages are taught to children, and how they are used in preaching. This is an exceedingly helpful book for anyone who wants to honestly teach and preach the scriptures for contemporary society, affirming God’s plan for peace in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Ball, Minister of the Free Church, St Ives, and Fenstanton URC, Cambridgeshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices Issue 30,September 2019. Review by Ray Vincent\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College and the new Editor of BRF’s \u003cem\u003eGuidelines \u003c\/em\u003eBible reading notes. She is well placed to write this very accessible book. She deals with the problem in a very straightforward, systematic way, beginning with the less difficult and moving on to the most difficult ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst she considers the places in the Bible where violence is simply described as part of the story. Then she moves on to where suffering people pray for vengeance on their oppressors – a natural human reaction. Next, violence against animals, pointing out the huge cultural difference between the Bible’s world and ours. Then she tackles violence as divine judgement, and finally the most difficult problem, the places where God seems actually to command acts of violence against innocent people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter approaches the problem humbly, freely acknowledging that she does not have the answers but is still wrestling with the questions. However, it seems to me that her perception of the violence as a ‘problem’ comes from her relatively conservative view of the Bible as the Word of God. While acknowledging the humanity of the Bible and reading it in the light of critical scholarship, she seems nevertheless to be trying to justify everything it says, and hesitates to say that parts of it may be simply mistaken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI suspect that the way in which most of us perceive the Bible means that we do not see the violence in it as a ‘problem’ in this kind of way. At the same time, this book is clear, honest and admirably arranged. It is well worth using as a basis for discussion in churches. Some Progressive Christian Network groups too might find it useful. It is informative, reminding us of parts of the Bible we sometimes neglect, and it is thought-provoking and sometimes challenging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ray Vincent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Mitchell, Pastor, Woodlands Church, Bristol. May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen has written a book on one of the most difficult questions Christians face. In it she has managed to be both accessible, compassionate and scholarly as she navigates the tension between a high view of scripture and yet its depiction of God’s apparent actions and decrees in ways which offend our most basic instincts of what is good and loving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe begins with a really helpful guide to reading the bible well whatever (and wherever) the biblical text is addressing, which I would commend to any serious reader of the bible, especially those coming to it fresh. She goes on to deal specifically with the issues of violence, not just to people; animals are included. She gives really helpful cultural context to hard passages without ducking some of the difficulties and ambiguities that remain even for her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe invites us foundationally to see Jesus as God’s last word on the issue of violence and to read the Old Testament not just as a foundation for the revelation of Jesus but as sacred texts which He provides the ultimate guide to understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff, May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and Old Testament scholar based at Bristol Baptist College. This is her second book. Her first, a version of her PhD, was Reduced Laughter, looking at how to read the books of 1 \u0026amp; 2 Kings. This second book, written for a broad audience, engages with the thorn of subjects violence in the Old Testament. It arrives at the same time as the work of the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bristol-baptist.ac.uk\/study-centres\/csbv\/\"\u003eCentre for the Study of the Bible and Violence\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(CSBV) begins, of which Paynter is the Director. The book comes in two parts. The first establishes some 'foundations' — reading the Bible as God's word, how to read the Bible well and what is meant or encompassed by the word 'violence.' The chapter in reading the Bible well is especially helpful in offering some important lessons. The second half of the book seeks through 5 chapters to engage with the most serious of questions around the Old Testament and violence. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 5 chapters make a series of important points. When violence is described, it is not always (often?) being endorsed. An example is given in the story of Samson. Paynter provides a different way of reading the book of Judges that pays attention to how the book is narrated. When violence is implored, as is the case of a good number of Psalms, there is a cry for justice and handing over of that desire for vengeance to God. Violence against animals is not as wanton as might be supposed. Paynter offers some helpful readings of the story of the flood in Genesis 6-9 and the place of sacrifices within Israel's worship. The fourth and fifth chapters explore violence as divine judgement and violence as commanded (e.g. the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epassages in Joshua). These questions are more difficult to address, and Paynter acknowledges, that this is not her last word on them, but almost a first foray into these questions, in conversation with wider scholarship. She takes us carefully through the importance of justice, the meaning of the law of talion (eye for an eye), a reading of the death of Uzzah (2 Sam 6) and in the latter chapter the meaning of the word\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA final chapter suggests that God's great plan in the Old Testament is shalom (peace) and we read it with trajectory in mind. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent book, which wears its scholarship lightly. Paynter has a great way of explaining and the book is an easy read, although exploring difficult questions. The book seeks as its subtitle suggests to 'wrestle honestly' with the violence found in the Old Testament. It doesn't have, and doesn't promise, a magic solution, but does show that a surface level reading will miss or overlook at more subtle ways the Bible describes and responds to violence. I look forward to future explorations that I'm sure will be forthcoming from Paynter and the CSBV that will continue to reach a broad audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andygoodliff.typepad.com\/my_weblog\/2019\/05\/helen-paynter-god-of-violence-yesterday-god-of-love-today-brf-2019.html\" title=\"Andy Goodliff on God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\"\u003eClick \u003c\/a\u003ehere for blog.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Peter King, Diocese of Chichester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past few years I have become increasingly troubled by the violence in the Bible. Although this is a subject we don’t often talk about in our churches, I know from a number of informal conversations that many churchgoers (and others) have questions they would like to explore on these issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to coincide with June’s inaugural events of Bristol College’s Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, Helen Paynter’s new book offers a rigorous yet accessible exploration of Old Testament violence ideal for individuals or groups wishing to engage with these troubling texts and the issues they raise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two parts. The first part offers valuable groundwork on the nature of the Bible and the nature of violence, and concludes with some very helpful suggestions on 'Reading the Bible well'. It is good to be reminded that the reason that texts of violence disturb us is because of our core belief that God is good. It is important, too, to be made aware that just because the Bible describes violence this does not necessarily mean that it commends it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second part identifies a range of types of violent text, and discusses these in ascending order of importance from what is termed 'Violence described' through 'Violence implored' and 'Violence against animals' (sacrifice) to 'Violence as divine judgement and what is the standout case for most people Violence commanded. I found this a very helpful way of classifying the different examples of violence in the OT. Each chapter concludes with some thoughts on how the type of texts under discussion might be read and used in churches today. Here I was particularly struck by what the author sees as the pastoral implications of ignoring the texts of 'Violence described'. By ignoring these stories of interpersonal and sexual violence we risk silencing those for whom they are a reality in their lives today. Yes, indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a chapter entitled 'Shalom: God’s great plan', which puts the violent texts in the context of what is arguably an even more significant OT theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author herself acknowledges at the end of the chapter on 'Violence commanded' that 'there might be more to say' on these most troubling of all the texts of violence. Not everyone will agree with the suggested interpretation, but I hope that all will agree on the important suggestions for reading them 'with ethical integrity' both in our churches and beyond. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the questions it explores. If you are new to the subject, it offers a comprehensive introduction and the reassurance that you are being guided by a capable and safe pair of hands as you begin to engage with challenging and important issues. If, like me, you are familiar with some of the literature on the subject, reading it will surely bring new insights and ideas. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeter King trained at Bristol Baptist College and now works for the Anglican Diocese of Chichester in adult theological education.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord \u0026amp; Worship, journal of the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association, Winter 2019 (June). Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter addresses the question of biblical violence honestly and without proposing any final answer. She is clear that what is in the scriptures should be neither hidden nor denied and that the Old Testament God of judgement should not be contrasted with the New Testament God of grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter recognises that while violence may be deliberately aggressive it may also find expression through oppressive social structures. Colonisation and cultural devaluation are examples of this. Violence may also be associated with polarising rhetoric. We need think only of the ‘war on terror’ against nations defined as evil. We should not think that violence may be consigned to savage antiquity from which we have moved on. It is still possible to think that with bombs, rather than swords, we are doing God’s will.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we consider episodes of violence in the Bible, Paynter invites readers to reflect on the narrators’ purposes. For example, in Judges 19 we find the gang rape and murder of a concubine. This is deeply shocking, but also draws attention to the appalling consequences for a defenceless woman in a society without law or leadership. Although part of the biblical text, such stories are not usually read in public worship, yet the airing of such stories may allow women who have experienced sexual violence to feel heard and present opportunities for pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiblical writers recognise the reality of emotions such as anger and desire for revenge arising within the human heart. But rather than being encouraged to give reign to free expression of such emotions we are invited to leave vengeance to God who is just and merciful. The concept of ‘an eye for an eye’ should, Paynter believes, be understood as defining the limitation of personal vengeance, a limitation which Jesus extends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern sensitivities may cause us to shudder at the conquest of Canaan recorded in the book of Joshua where slaughter seems to be commanded by God. Rather than a literal record of history Paynter suggests the story may be understood as a type of biblical literature dealing with God bringing order out of chaos and affirming the identity of Israel as God’s covenant people. This does not mean, however, that it can be used to support modern Israel’s actions towards Palestine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Hebrew mind God was awesome in holiness with power to create and to destroy. The stories of creation are placed at the beginning of the Old Testament as affirmation of God’s perfect design and intention for universal shalom\/ wholeness. History is played out in a broken and often violent world, but the law and the prophets point to God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness and this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not for us to edit from the Bible what offends us. We must learn to read with understanding. Helen Paynter writes clearly and makes a major contribution to informed reading so that we may hear and interpret God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Meredith was ordained in the Methodist Church of New Zealand and has completed post-graduate study at Spurgeon’s College, London. John has served in pastoral roles in New Zealand and Western Australia. He is currently editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association and reviews books on theological and biblical themes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-27T11:27:42+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-27T11:31:44+00:00","vendor":"Helen Paynter","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Group reading","Kindle"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24703390875748,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466396","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Wrestling honestly with the Old Testament","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":186,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466396","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466396-l.jpg?v=1551267108","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindle_books_with_logo_1.png?v=1734105719"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466396-l.jpg?v=1551267108","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3260489498763,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466396-l.jpg?v=1551267108"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466396-l.jpg?v=1551267108","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63561871294844,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindle_books_with_logo_1.png?v=1734105719"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindle_books_with_logo_1.png?v=1734105719","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDo you find the violence in the Old Testament a problem?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDoes it get in the way of reading the Bible – and of faith itself?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile acknowledging that there are no easy answers, in \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today\u003c\/em\u003e?, Helen Paynter faces the tough questions head-on and offers a fresh, accessible approach to a significant issue. For all those seeking to engage with the Bible and gain confidence in the God it portrays, she provides tools for reading and interpreting biblical texts, and points to ways of dealing with the overall trajectories of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HelenPaynterseriousface_480x480.jpg?v=1676497452\" width=\"284\" height=\"189\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing a first career in medicine, Helen Paynter is now a Baptist minister, Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College, and Editor of BRF’s Guidelines Bible reading notes. Helen is passionate about helping people to get to grips with the Bible because she has seen its power to transform lives. She loves to study it, preach it, teach it, and encourage others to study and understand it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Copan, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at the Palm Beach Atlantic University, the author of 'Is God a Moral Monster?', and the co-author of 'Did God Really Command Genocide?'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s exploration of Old Testament ethical challenges is insightful, balanced and honest. I appreciate the fact that she does not deny divine severity while putting in perspective God's goodness. She admits that she is still wrestling and learning, as indeed I am. She humbly but boldly approaches an array of key topics and she writes with deep pastoral concern. Her treatment of the imprecatory psalms is particularly effective and illuminating. While I have a few quibbles here and there, I want to emphasize the spirit, the breadth, and the balance of this book. It sheds light on a complex and controversial subject, encouraging further conversation and deeper understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev'd Dr. Lissa M. Wray Beal, Professor of Old Testament, Chair, Seminary Bible and Theology Department, Providence University College and Theological Seminary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Honestly wrestling with the Old Testament\u003c\/em\u003e, Helen Paynter tackles problematic texts of violence in the Old Testament. The questions Paynter asks are pressing ones today, and she sketches out the complex issues clearly but without undue oversimplification. Outlining valuable principles of interpretation and applying them in worked examples, the author’s candor and pastoral attentiveness invite readers into the conversation. The volume models Christian engagement with the biblical text and shows the value of \u003cem\u003ehonest wrestling\u003c\/em\u003e within the text’s own vision of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e. Providing tools to think not only about specific texts of violence, but the biblical text more broadly, it is a welcome and compact initial resource for Christian laypeople troubled by biblical texts of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Meredith Editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn lucid prose Helen Paynter argues that violence featured in the biblical canon should not be ignored or denied but acknowledged and faced honestly. While history is played out in a broken and often violent world the author shows how the movement of scripture is toward God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness. Without providing final answers Paynter offers ways of interpreting even the most violent passages so that we may hear God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins, gender justice specialist: see \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliecollins.info\/\"\u003ewww.nataliecollins.info\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eTweets as GodLovesWomen and wrote \u003cem\u003eOut of Control: Couples, Conflict and the Capacity for Change\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis relatively small book faces some massive theological questions about the nature of violence in the Old Testament. Exploring different types of violence in the Bible, including that against animals, and perhaps the most troubling, when it appears that God commands genocide, Helen Paynter expertly guides us through complex theological terrain and explains this complexity in down to earth and easily accessible ways. This book is ideal for someone with no\u003cbr\u003etheological training to begin exploring challenging elements of the Bible, with those with formal theological training also able to learn from her. Those in church leadership should read this book so they are able to recommend it to their congregations. While challenging, the book seems to be pitched to a conservative 'Bible believing' audience, which may jar with those who have a more liberal approach to Scripture, but overall it’s a great, engaging, manageably short book. As Helen says, she can’t wholly resolve the tensions of the most problematic texts, but she does give much food for thought and some\u003cbr\u003etools for Christians who want to more ably identify where God is in the text and what God is saying to us through it.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheology 2019, Vol 122(6). Review by Robin Gill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and director of the new Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol. This accessible and refreshingly honest paperback, published by The Bible Reading Fellowship is very welcome indeed. It examines carefully some of the most troublesome texts in the Old Testament and it does so in stages, as she explains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'First, we will consider instances where violence is \u003cem\u003ede\u003c\/em\u003escribed, not \u003cem\u003epre\u003c\/em\u003escribed\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eNext we will look at places – mainly the psalms – where violence is implored: where the psalmist prays for vengeance. Third, we will consider the issue of violence against animals, particularly the flood story and the system of animal sacrifice. Fourth, we will look at the use of violence as divine judgement. And fifth, we will look at the knottiest problem of all: the texts where God appears to command people to be violent to one another. At the end of most of the chapters in this section I offer some more practical suggestions. How should we handle these texts in our churches – in our pulpits, our home groups, our Sunday schools? And then, in the final chapter, we will ‘zoom back out’ and take a look at the big picture of the bible.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing particularly novel about any of this, but that is not the point. Her message needs to be heard in a context of widespread fear of religiously inspired violence. This small book and her new Centre make an excellent contribution to greater understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Robin Gill\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnabaptism Today Autumn 2019. Review by Alexandra Ellish\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people from both within and outside of church communities are confused and uncomfortable with accounts of violence in the Scriptures, and the all too frequent appeal to biblical sources to justify modern-day warfare, military action and the ownership of weapons. In this helpful and accessible book, Helen Paynter seeks to address some of the questions and issues raised by texts containing violence in the Old Testament and considers how we might interpret and understand them today. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two sections. Part One sets out some essential foundations – reading the Bible as God’s word; defining and understanding violence within the ancient world; and some possible tools for interpretation. The second part of the book considers five types of violence, ranging with increasing complexity from: texts with descriptive versus prescriptive accounts of violence; texts imploring the use of violence; the sacrificial system and a consideration of the flood; violence as used in accounts of divine judgement; and finally texts in which God seems to be commanding violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen reading violence contained in the psalms, the author notes the importance of paying attention to the psalmist’s use of language – particularly allegory and metaphor – to argue for a deeper reading of the texts. While there are psalms calling for God to punish enemies, this desire is usually held in tension with an acknowledgement of ultimate trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Paynter suggests that psalms which implore God to use violence to exact vengeance on enemies or oppressors have cathartic value in the context of communal worship – that these psalms remind us that we can bring all of our experiences and humanity to God in worship. Paynter advocates using the imprecatory psalms in worship today by depersonalising the ‘enemies’ of God and people to include issues around ecological catastrophe, serious and debilitating illness, domestic violence and all things which result in death. As the church frequently draws on the psalms of joy and thanksgiving for times of celebration and praise, this encouragement takes seriously the possibility of expressing painful, difficult and angry feelings that we have, in the context of a community of faith which trusts that God is in charge and loves his people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fourth chapter considers violence in divine judgement as a reminder of the nature of God as a just judge who is our friend and ‘brother’ but is also ‘unbearable’ in his holiness. Paynter discusses the positive aspects of the law of \u003cem\u003etalion\u003c\/em\u003e which, she argues, Jesus extends rather than repudiates. The penultimate chapter is devoted to texts where violence is explicitly commanded by God. This chapter covers the most difficult passages, where Paynter untangles the complexity of defining the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e. This word is often translated as ‘utterly destroy’ or ‘devote to complete destruction’ but its meaning is somewhat veiled. Paynter suggests that \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e ‘does not always involve killing or destroying’ but that ‘\u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e sometimes involves killing’ (p. 128). She states that she cannot offer a definitive answer to the questions surrounding conquest and apparent mass killing, but that the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem \u003c\/em\u003eis used for rhetorical and hyperbolic purposes to portray events in a particular way in the ancient world. Paynter’s honesty and humility in the recognition that her offering might be only partially satisfactory and her desire to continue to ‘nibble’ (p. 153) at the issue alongside others is immensely refreshing and rare! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the final chapter, Paynter considers the arc of the biblical narrative and argues that the vision of God demonstrated throughout the Scriptures is for \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for all of creation. While I was pleased to see the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e included in the book, I thought that more could have been made of this subject and how we might understand \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e in relation to violence in the Old Testament. Similarly, in an early chapter the centrality of the life and person of Jesus as a lens for interpretation is briefly mentioned but not elaborated. Since I come to the topic of violence with Anabaptist convictions, perhaps it is no surprise that I would have enjoyed a fuller consideration of these subjects earlier in the book, instead of waiting until the final chapter for a somewhat limited exploration of the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter assumes that the value of the image of the eating of the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden and the subsequent ‘fall’ is to explain the entry of death, competition and violence into the world. This understanding all too easily reduces Jesus to nothing more than a rescuer come to reverse the fall. I am not sure how helpful this is. \u003cem\u003eShalom\u003c\/em\u003e is the narrative arc of our Scriptures; Jesus who is the Christ is\/was, in my view, always going to be the incarnation of God on earth as a pattern for humanity. This impacts how we understand the crucifixion of Jesus, and I would have been interested to read more from Paynter on this issue. Particularly for our western Protestant tradition, which has largely abandoned other atonement theories to focus on the (arguably violent) theory of penal substitution, are there more appropriate ways of exploring and articulating the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ which fulfil rather than undermine a \u003cem\u003eshalom \u003c\/em\u003enarrative?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter is categorical in her rejection of the appropriation of violence from the Old Testament texts for today, and also touches very briefly on the inappropriate conflation of the historic nation of Israel and the modern state. More on this issue would have been instructive, particularly as many pro-Israel churches support the government and its policies of occupation in Palestine based on their understanding of texts from the Old Testament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found Paynter’s writing style clear and engaging. She uses interesting and relevant examples to illustrate the issues she is dealing with, often drawing on contemporary stories. It is clear that Paynter is passionate about the importance of the Old Testament for personal and corporate faith today, and she argues persuasively for and offers numerous practical suggestions for wrestling with the Scriptures communally and individually. Paynter also suggests a wide range of other books for the reader to delve more deeply into the issues she has raised. I look forward to further publications from Paynter as she continues to wrestle with the Bible, in search of fresh insight and understanding to inform our discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alexandra Ellish, London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Ministers Journal. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is timely, courageous and good. I therefore strongly recommend it to you and your church members. Revd Dr Helen Paynter of Bristol Baptist College has tackled one of the hot issues of the moment, the violence in the Old Testament (OT). It’s unlikely that you have not been asked about this by someone within or outside your congregation; if not, you’ll get the question soon: ‘How can a loving God condone and even order so much violence?’ Paynter helps you to give a Bible-based answer. She does not follow the common escape routes of either denying that this is what the OT really says or ascribing the violence to human authors who had not quite understood God. Instead she listens attentively to what the OT really says.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is in two parts, the first of which is a general introduction to the Bible and how to read it well. Paynter explains that her approach will be biblical and Christocentric, and she defends the position of the OT within the Christian scriptures. As a potted hermeneutic this part of the book has a more general value. For example, readers learn about the various genres in the Bible and about the distinction between description and endorsement. Here we also find a useful chapter on what violence is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the second part Paynter tackles the OT in concentric circles, beginning with the relatively simple texts in which violence is merely described. This is followed by texts in which violence is deplored, psalms which call upon God to use violence, texts about violence against animals and texts in which the use of violence is part of a divine judgement. Throughout her discussions are careful and helpful. Paynter’s response to the usual argument that the Canaanites deserved to be punished for their wickedness was a surprise to me; if you want to know what it is, buy and read the book! The final chapter, intended as a positive counterpart to the preceding misery, deals with God’s plan of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for his good creation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout Paynter’s tone is humble. She is honest about her own struggles and about points where she is uncertain. She refers to the book of Joshua as something that ‘feels alien and disturbing’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the most part, the book is easy to read; at times it is almost basic, which means that it is largely right for many church members. At the end of the chapters there are summaries and the notes are tucked away as end-notes. Some may find it uncomfortable that Paynter describes the flood as a myth (94-95), but that should not distract anybody.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo it is a perfect book? No, because it contains some typos and there is no index of texts. Some elements of the discussion might still be complicated for ‘lay people’. I would also have liked to read a bit more about the character of God. But these minor quibbles are just that: minor quibbles. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, issue 20, Autumn 2019. Review by Tom Wharin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the third book I’ve read on the subject of violence in the Bible in the last couple of years and it is also the most helpful. \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence yesterday, God of Love Today? \u003c\/em\u003eHas a clear and helpful structure even if the title is a bit of a mouthful. Helen Paynter starts by laying out her unapologetically Christocentric hermeneutic (to which I also subscribe). She then works through the biblical texts containing violence, from the ones she regards as least troubling (violence implored by the writer) to the ones she considers most troubling (violence commanded by God).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book does contain plenty of literary and historical-critical arguments which won’t appeal to a wide popular audience but Helen Paynter is very readable. Theological concepts are well explained with reference to everyday events, familiar news and historical stories. In addition to her marshalling her own thoughts well, Helen Paynter draws on and explains some of the best arguments in John H. Walton \u0026amp; J. Harvey Walton’s and Greg Boyd’s books (among others) in a way that makes them more accessible to readers like me than the originals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an apologia for violence in the Bible to twenty-first century western culture, the book as a whole feels like a pretty solid bridge two-thirds of the way across a cultural canyon. The reader is left with more construction to do on either cliff or both, and the author honestly acknowledges this as our work and hers in the introduction and conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI will definitely be recommending this book to anyone from sixth form up who is serious about engaging with God’s word on this subject. The structure will make it easy to dip back into for sermon references and it will serve very well as an introduction to this area of apologetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Tom Wharin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 16 August, 2019. Summer paperback roundup by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e the author Helen Paynter has tried to tackle one of the most difficult questions of biblical theology. Why is it that the God of the Old Testament seems to sanction war and what we might today call ethnic cleansing, while the God of the New Testament seems to be all about love? This simple stereotyping of the argument is well dealt with, giving us many ideas to reflect on. She does not come to easy answers, but you will feel considerably better informed. This is a book to read a couple of times and perhaps to share with a reading group to think through the many issues that it raises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Ball, GOLD Project, July 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short book deals with one of the thorniest subjects for Christians who believe that God is love and at the same time believe that the Christian Scriptures in their totality are God’s word to us. Helen Paynter does not shy away from any of the challenges that passages of violence in the Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament, bring to a theology of God’s love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart one introduces us to some key skills for interpreting the Old Testament. God’s goodness and the ultimate revelation of this in Jesus Christ sets the theological foundation by which we are to interpret the Scriptures. From this starting point, we are ably guided through what we do and what we don’t mean when we speak of the Bible as God’s Word to us. Here the indispensable place of the Old Testament for our Christian faith is emphasised. If we need a clear theological foundation to interpret the Bible responsibly, we also need a clear understanding of the issue we are dealing with. For this we are led through a careful discussion of the complexity of violence and how it manifests itself in society. This prepares us to look at the nature of the Old Testament and especially the challenge to understand the worldview of its writers and audience which is so often far removed from our own. Reading each passage of the Old Testament in the context of the big story of Scripture, understanding the type of literature that we are reading and wrestling with the meaning of the text are all key skills to hearing the message better. Another important reminder is to let different and apparently contradictory narratives or themes contribute to the big picture of how Scripture conveys a multi-layered voice on key issues such as human kingship. All of these skills prepare us to address the particular issue of violence and the Bible in more depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart two does precisely this. Here we engage with the texts of violence under five (increasingly problematic) headings: Violence described, Violence implored, Violence against animals, Violence as divine judgement, Violence commanded. In each of these chapters, a clear attempt is made to compare and contrast the biblical context with our own and to draw out the significance of texts for our own day. We are carefully guided through the different types of violence each of which demand a different response. For example, describing violence in both the Old Testament and our own day does not necessarily endorse it. On the contrary, it often gives a voice to victims who would otherwise be denied justice and a hearing. Imploring violence is better than actual violence and is not necessarily endorsed by the text either. As we are led into the more problematic aspects of violence in the Old Testament, we are necessarily introduced to more technical aspects of biblical interpretation. Nevertheless, these are explained clearly. While not everyone will agree with some of the readings of the Old Testament, what becomes clear is that it is possible to grapple with even the most difficult Old Testament texts and not lose our integrity as those who believe in a just and loving God revealed in the totality of our Scriptures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final chapter seeks to bring a resolution and explain that the trajectory of the biblical narrative is towards the biblical idea of shalom. Normally translated ‘peace’ the ‘core meaning relates to completeness or intactness and the range of meanings includes prosperity, welfare, good relationships, deliverance and health’ (p.157) It is a vision of this shalom that drives the narrative of the Bible forward from its beginning in Genesis to its conclusion in the New Testament book of Revelation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe skill of interpreting the Bible responsibly in today’s world is one that anyone can learn. It is not easy and involves a struggle, but, above all, this is the significance of this book. For, while it addresses the particularly thorny issue of violence, it does far more than this. It gives us a practical model of how to wrestle with difficult issues in the Bible and society, seeking to listen to each text within the big framework of Scripture and to understand how this relates to our own context. Through this process, we can learn the skills of hearing God’s voice for today even in the difficult parts of the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by David Ball, GOLD Project\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July\/August 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly apposite book for our current political situation. John Lennon wrote the song ‘Imagine’, longing for a peaceful world, assuming that religion is one of the main causes of conflict. It would be lovely to be able to say that Christian scriptures do not advocate violence, or that only the Old Testament shows God as angry and violent. The temptation is to avoid difficult and violent Bible passages. Yet, the Old Testament is an essential part of the Christian scriptures. Helen Paynter shows that it is too simplistic to separate the Old Testament from the New.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter acknowledges that violence is apparently directed and endorsed by God in Old Testament texts. In an intellectually rigorous and accessible way, Paynter wrestles with each text to show that in many cases, the violence may become more understandable, and in some cases may be fully explained. She shows that each story needs to be carefully read in the context of ancient Hebrew language and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, Paynter compares the battle of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17 – in which David beheads Goliath – with Adam and Eve’s temptation by the serpent (Genesis 3). In both stories, there is a battle that will determine who has dominion and an evil force mocks God’s favoured. In the latter story, God curses the serpent and says that he will bruise the serpent’s head. God will have victory in the end. Though David – God’s chosen king, descended of Eve – is mocked by the giant who defies God, he is victorious. The pattern points to a greater king to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter warns of the need to be careful how these passages are taught to children, and how they are used in preaching. This is an exceedingly helpful book for anyone who wants to honestly teach and preach the scriptures for contemporary society, affirming God’s plan for peace in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Ball, Minister of the Free Church, St Ives, and Fenstanton URC, Cambridgeshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices Issue 30,September 2019. Review by Ray Vincent\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College and the new Editor of BRF’s \u003cem\u003eGuidelines \u003c\/em\u003eBible reading notes. She is well placed to write this very accessible book. She deals with the problem in a very straightforward, systematic way, beginning with the less difficult and moving on to the most difficult ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst she considers the places in the Bible where violence is simply described as part of the story. Then she moves on to where suffering people pray for vengeance on their oppressors – a natural human reaction. Next, violence against animals, pointing out the huge cultural difference between the Bible’s world and ours. Then she tackles violence as divine judgement, and finally the most difficult problem, the places where God seems actually to command acts of violence against innocent people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter approaches the problem humbly, freely acknowledging that she does not have the answers but is still wrestling with the questions. However, it seems to me that her perception of the violence as a ‘problem’ comes from her relatively conservative view of the Bible as the Word of God. While acknowledging the humanity of the Bible and reading it in the light of critical scholarship, she seems nevertheless to be trying to justify everything it says, and hesitates to say that parts of it may be simply mistaken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI suspect that the way in which most of us perceive the Bible means that we do not see the violence in it as a ‘problem’ in this kind of way. At the same time, this book is clear, honest and admirably arranged. It is well worth using as a basis for discussion in churches. Some Progressive Christian Network groups too might find it useful. It is informative, reminding us of parts of the Bible we sometimes neglect, and it is thought-provoking and sometimes challenging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ray Vincent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Mitchell, Pastor, Woodlands Church, Bristol. May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen has written a book on one of the most difficult questions Christians face. In it she has managed to be both accessible, compassionate and scholarly as she navigates the tension between a high view of scripture and yet its depiction of God’s apparent actions and decrees in ways which offend our most basic instincts of what is good and loving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe begins with a really helpful guide to reading the bible well whatever (and wherever) the biblical text is addressing, which I would commend to any serious reader of the bible, especially those coming to it fresh. She goes on to deal specifically with the issues of violence, not just to people; animals are included. She gives really helpful cultural context to hard passages without ducking some of the difficulties and ambiguities that remain even for her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe invites us foundationally to see Jesus as God’s last word on the issue of violence and to read the Old Testament not just as a foundation for the revelation of Jesus but as sacred texts which He provides the ultimate guide to understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff, May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and Old Testament scholar based at Bristol Baptist College. This is her second book. Her first, a version of her PhD, was Reduced Laughter, looking at how to read the books of 1 \u0026amp; 2 Kings. This second book, written for a broad audience, engages with the thorn of subjects violence in the Old Testament. It arrives at the same time as the work of the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bristol-baptist.ac.uk\/study-centres\/csbv\/\"\u003eCentre for the Study of the Bible and Violence\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(CSBV) begins, of which Paynter is the Director. The book comes in two parts. The first establishes some 'foundations' — reading the Bible as God's word, how to read the Bible well and what is meant or encompassed by the word 'violence.' The chapter in reading the Bible well is especially helpful in offering some important lessons. The second half of the book seeks through 5 chapters to engage with the most serious of questions around the Old Testament and violence. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 5 chapters make a series of important points. When violence is described, it is not always (often?) being endorsed. An example is given in the story of Samson. Paynter provides a different way of reading the book of Judges that pays attention to how the book is narrated. When violence is implored, as is the case of a good number of Psalms, there is a cry for justice and handing over of that desire for vengeance to God. Violence against animals is not as wanton as might be supposed. Paynter offers some helpful readings of the story of the flood in Genesis 6-9 and the place of sacrifices within Israel's worship. The fourth and fifth chapters explore violence as divine judgement and violence as commanded (e.g. the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epassages in Joshua). These questions are more difficult to address, and Paynter acknowledges, that this is not her last word on them, but almost a first foray into these questions, in conversation with wider scholarship. She takes us carefully through the importance of justice, the meaning of the law of talion (eye for an eye), a reading of the death of Uzzah (2 Sam 6) and in the latter chapter the meaning of the word\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA final chapter suggests that God's great plan in the Old Testament is shalom (peace) and we read it with trajectory in mind. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent book, which wears its scholarship lightly. Paynter has a great way of explaining and the book is an easy read, although exploring difficult questions. The book seeks as its subtitle suggests to 'wrestle honestly' with the violence found in the Old Testament. It doesn't have, and doesn't promise, a magic solution, but does show that a surface level reading will miss or overlook at more subtle ways the Bible describes and responds to violence. I look forward to future explorations that I'm sure will be forthcoming from Paynter and the CSBV that will continue to reach a broad audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andygoodliff.typepad.com\/my_weblog\/2019\/05\/helen-paynter-god-of-violence-yesterday-god-of-love-today-brf-2019.html\" title=\"Andy Goodliff on God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\"\u003eClick \u003c\/a\u003ehere for blog.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Peter King, Diocese of Chichester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past few years I have become increasingly troubled by the violence in the Bible. Although this is a subject we don’t often talk about in our churches, I know from a number of informal conversations that many churchgoers (and others) have questions they would like to explore on these issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to coincide with June’s inaugural events of Bristol College’s Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, Helen Paynter’s new book offers a rigorous yet accessible exploration of Old Testament violence ideal for individuals or groups wishing to engage with these troubling texts and the issues they raise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two parts. The first part offers valuable groundwork on the nature of the Bible and the nature of violence, and concludes with some very helpful suggestions on 'Reading the Bible well'. It is good to be reminded that the reason that texts of violence disturb us is because of our core belief that God is good. It is important, too, to be made aware that just because the Bible describes violence this does not necessarily mean that it commends it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second part identifies a range of types of violent text, and discusses these in ascending order of importance from what is termed 'Violence described' through 'Violence implored' and 'Violence against animals' (sacrifice) to 'Violence as divine judgement and what is the standout case for most people Violence commanded. I found this a very helpful way of classifying the different examples of violence in the OT. Each chapter concludes with some thoughts on how the type of texts under discussion might be read and used in churches today. Here I was particularly struck by what the author sees as the pastoral implications of ignoring the texts of 'Violence described'. By ignoring these stories of interpersonal and sexual violence we risk silencing those for whom they are a reality in their lives today. Yes, indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a chapter entitled 'Shalom: God’s great plan', which puts the violent texts in the context of what is arguably an even more significant OT theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author herself acknowledges at the end of the chapter on 'Violence commanded' that 'there might be more to say' on these most troubling of all the texts of violence. Not everyone will agree with the suggested interpretation, but I hope that all will agree on the important suggestions for reading them 'with ethical integrity' both in our churches and beyond. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the questions it explores. If you are new to the subject, it offers a comprehensive introduction and the reassurance that you are being guided by a capable and safe pair of hands as you begin to engage with challenging and important issues. If, like me, you are familiar with some of the literature on the subject, reading it will surely bring new insights and ideas. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeter King trained at Bristol Baptist College and now works for the Anglican Diocese of Chichester in adult theological education.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord \u0026amp; Worship, journal of the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association, Winter 2019 (June). Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter addresses the question of biblical violence honestly and without proposing any final answer. She is clear that what is in the scriptures should be neither hidden nor denied and that the Old Testament God of judgement should not be contrasted with the New Testament God of grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter recognises that while violence may be deliberately aggressive it may also find expression through oppressive social structures. Colonisation and cultural devaluation are examples of this. Violence may also be associated with polarising rhetoric. We need think only of the ‘war on terror’ against nations defined as evil. We should not think that violence may be consigned to savage antiquity from which we have moved on. It is still possible to think that with bombs, rather than swords, we are doing God’s will.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we consider episodes of violence in the Bible, Paynter invites readers to reflect on the narrators’ purposes. For example, in Judges 19 we find the gang rape and murder of a concubine. This is deeply shocking, but also draws attention to the appalling consequences for a defenceless woman in a society without law or leadership. Although part of the biblical text, such stories are not usually read in public worship, yet the airing of such stories may allow women who have experienced sexual violence to feel heard and present opportunities for pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiblical writers recognise the reality of emotions such as anger and desire for revenge arising within the human heart. But rather than being encouraged to give reign to free expression of such emotions we are invited to leave vengeance to God who is just and merciful. The concept of ‘an eye for an eye’ should, Paynter believes, be understood as defining the limitation of personal vengeance, a limitation which Jesus extends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern sensitivities may cause us to shudder at the conquest of Canaan recorded in the book of Joshua where slaughter seems to be commanded by God. Rather than a literal record of history Paynter suggests the story may be understood as a type of biblical literature dealing with God bringing order out of chaos and affirming the identity of Israel as God’s covenant people. This does not mean, however, that it can be used to support modern Israel’s actions towards Palestine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Hebrew mind God was awesome in holiness with power to create and to destroy. The stories of creation are placed at the beginning of the Old Testament as affirmation of God’s perfect design and intention for universal shalom\/ wholeness. History is played out in a broken and often violent world, but the law and the prophets point to God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness and this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not for us to edit from the Bible what offends us. We must learn to read with understanding. Helen Paynter writes clearly and makes a major contribution to informed reading so that we may hear and interpret God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Meredith was ordained in the Methodist Church of New Zealand and has completed post-graduate study at Spurgeon’s College, London. John has served in pastoral roles in New Zealand and Western Australia. He is currently editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association and reviews books on theological and biblical themes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2920550137956,"title":"Finding God in a Culture of Fear: Discovering hope in God’s kingdom","handle":"finding-god-in-a-culture-of-fear-discovering-hope-in-god-s-kingdom","description":"\u003cp\u003eHow can we live a little more hopefully each day?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFear, terrorism, corruption, fake news… it can be easy to become discouraged by the culture around us. Now more than ever, society needs hope in order to survive and flourish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book takes us beyond comfort zones and easy answers, and towards a deeper understanding and practice of hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt offers reflections, stories and practical ways for individuals and groups to find hope in their lives through discovering more about God in their midst. Focusing on God’s intervention in biblical history, God’s presence in contemporary contexts and God’s promised hope for the future, Joanne Cox-Darling encourages us to live more confidently, noticing more of the Spirit in our daily lives, and with more compassion and – ultimately – hope in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"261\" width=\"209\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/JoCox-Darling1_480x480.jpg?v=1676497258\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoanne Cox-Darling is a Methodist minister, mother, and want-to-be baker, currently living and working in the suburbs of London. She holds a doctorate from Durham University, and co-edited ‘The Call and the Commission’ (MK, Authentic, 2008). She has written for BRF Guidelines. She is passionate about contemporary culture, mission, and communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many of the books that offer hope this starts from a position of realism in that life is not easy, taking the reader on a journey of hope that stems from a Jesus who has been there himself, who knows and understands our hopes and fears, and gives us the courage to believe in what is possible through Christ. I know the book will be a blessing to many.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDes Scott, Deputy Chief Executive, Church Army \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA commonly-used mantra throughout this book is, ‘The worst thing is never the last thing’, which reminded me of the phrase quoted by Evelyn Greenslade (played by Judi Dench) in the film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: ‘Everything will be all right in the end. And if it’s not all right, then trust me, it’s not yet the end’. Book and film focus on hope as the key to combat the unknown, fear, and despair. In the book, God’s love and the presence of the Holy Spirit underpin this hope. The film scores highly on the ‘feel good factor’, the book somewhat less so. The ‘fear’ in the book predominantly focuses on the corporate and global, rather than the individual which I found slightly disappointing. It also presents a literary ‘smorgasbord’ of styles although it is still very readable. Its strengths include its (mostly) appropriate use of characters and events from the Old and New Testaments and making them relevant to today; and the ‘questions for reflection’ at the end of each chapter. Read it as a guide to further exploration of fear and trust in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Appleton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Dr Philip Barlow, May 2019\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA book clearly written from the heart and the inclusion of personal anecdotes makes it easier to identify with and understand. Stories from the Bible are made relevant to today’s challenges and problems and focus the mind on the main theme of the book which is hope for the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hope theme runs through the whole book but, as the author explains, hope is not a passive process but one that requires a pro-active approach. It is not sufficient to sit back and hope for the future, hope wants and needs action to make better things to come. Hope does not just rely on the current order but having a vision can change the future for the better. Martin Luther King’s speech of “having a dream” is referred to and sets an approach for us all to consider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHopelessness often makes us long for the “rose coloured” past but hope drives us forward and gives us a meaningful purpose. Adopting a proactive approach with a belief that the world can become a better place lessens our fear of the future. The author explains how hope can and does allow us to be more confident in recognising the potential for our own lives and the world around us. God’s presence in the ever changing world, even if at times this is hard to see, provides the hope we need to live and prosper in a world prevailing in a culture of fear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead this book as an antidote to the often over whelming and pessimistic world we live in or as a study book (and a series of reflection questions are provided) to think about in a group meeting that hopes for a brighter future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dr Philip Barlow\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-27T10:32:11+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-27T10:43:52+00:00","vendor":"Joanne Cox-Darling","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bereavement","Devotional","Kindle","May-19"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24702508859492,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466464","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Finding God in a Culture of Fear: Discovering hope in God’s kingdom","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":186,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466464","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466464-l.jpg?v=1551264235","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/30_39a0cb65-fcc0-43eb-867e-38d9153ca624.png?v=1734095696"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466464-l.jpg?v=1551264235","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3260487401611,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466464-l.jpg?v=1551264235"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466464-l.jpg?v=1551264235","width":426},{"alt":null,"id":63560966766972,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/30_39a0cb65-fcc0-43eb-867e-38d9153ca624.png?v=1734095696"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/30_39a0cb65-fcc0-43eb-867e-38d9153ca624.png?v=1734095696","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHow can we live a little more hopefully each day?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFear, terrorism, corruption, fake news… it can be easy to become discouraged by the culture around us. Now more than ever, society needs hope in order to survive and flourish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book takes us beyond comfort zones and easy answers, and towards a deeper understanding and practice of hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt offers reflections, stories and practical ways for individuals and groups to find hope in their lives through discovering more about God in their midst. Focusing on God’s intervention in biblical history, God’s presence in contemporary contexts and God’s promised hope for the future, Joanne Cox-Darling encourages us to live more confidently, noticing more of the Spirit in our daily lives, and with more compassion and – ultimately – hope in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"261\" width=\"209\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/JoCox-Darling1_480x480.jpg?v=1676497258\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoanne Cox-Darling is a Methodist minister, mother, and want-to-be baker, currently living and working in the suburbs of London. She holds a doctorate from Durham University, and co-edited ‘The Call and the Commission’ (MK, Authentic, 2008). She has written for BRF Guidelines. She is passionate about contemporary culture, mission, and communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many of the books that offer hope this starts from a position of realism in that life is not easy, taking the reader on a journey of hope that stems from a Jesus who has been there himself, who knows and understands our hopes and fears, and gives us the courage to believe in what is possible through Christ. I know the book will be a blessing to many.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDes Scott, Deputy Chief Executive, Church Army \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA commonly-used mantra throughout this book is, ‘The worst thing is never the last thing’, which reminded me of the phrase quoted by Evelyn Greenslade (played by Judi Dench) in the film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: ‘Everything will be all right in the end. And if it’s not all right, then trust me, it’s not yet the end’. Book and film focus on hope as the key to combat the unknown, fear, and despair. In the book, God’s love and the presence of the Holy Spirit underpin this hope. The film scores highly on the ‘feel good factor’, the book somewhat less so. The ‘fear’ in the book predominantly focuses on the corporate and global, rather than the individual which I found slightly disappointing. It also presents a literary ‘smorgasbord’ of styles although it is still very readable. Its strengths include its (mostly) appropriate use of characters and events from the Old and New Testaments and making them relevant to today; and the ‘questions for reflection’ at the end of each chapter. Read it as a guide to further exploration of fear and trust in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Appleton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Dr Philip Barlow, May 2019\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA book clearly written from the heart and the inclusion of personal anecdotes makes it easier to identify with and understand. Stories from the Bible are made relevant to today’s challenges and problems and focus the mind on the main theme of the book which is hope for the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hope theme runs through the whole book but, as the author explains, hope is not a passive process but one that requires a pro-active approach. It is not sufficient to sit back and hope for the future, hope wants and needs action to make better things to come. Hope does not just rely on the current order but having a vision can change the future for the better. Martin Luther King’s speech of “having a dream” is referred to and sets an approach for us all to consider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHopelessness often makes us long for the “rose coloured” past but hope drives us forward and gives us a meaningful purpose. Adopting a proactive approach with a belief that the world can become a better place lessens our fear of the future. The author explains how hope can and does allow us to be more confident in recognising the potential for our own lives and the world around us. God’s presence in the ever changing world, even if at times this is hard to see, provides the hope we need to live and prosper in a world prevailing in a culture of fear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead this book as an antidote to the often over whelming and pessimistic world we live in or as a study book (and a series of reflection questions are provided) to think about in a group meeting that hopes for a brighter future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dr Philip Barlow\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2863581790308,"title":"My First Bible","handle":"my-first-bible","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn ideal gift for young children, My First Bible retells all the favourite Bible stories known and loved by generations of children, for children of today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold and colourful illustrations from Gillian Chapman bring the world of the Bible to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for reading aloud with very young children, or for independent readers aged 4-6 years, the helpful index at the back show where all the stories can be found in the Bible\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-21T09:41:13+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-21T09:42:24+00:00","vendor":"Leena Lane","type":"Hardback","tags":["Bibles","For children"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24463770976356,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460790","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"My First Bible","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":622,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460790","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460790-l.jpg?v=1550742148"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460790-l.jpg?v=1550742148","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259560165515,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.815,"height":650,"width":530,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460790-l.jpg?v=1550742148"},"aspect_ratio":0.815,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460790-l.jpg?v=1550742148","width":530}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAn ideal gift for young children, My First Bible retells all the favourite Bible stories known and loved by generations of children, for children of today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold and colourful illustrations from Gillian Chapman bring the world of the Bible to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for reading aloud with very young children, or for independent readers aged 4-6 years, the helpful index at the back show where all the stories can be found in the Bible\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2853175001188,"title":"The Story We Live By: A reader's guide to the New Testament","handle":"the-story-we-live-by-a-readers-guide-to-the-new-testament","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAt the heart of Christianity is a story - not a code nor a creed, but the story of Jesus. Christians have lived by this story for centuries and return to it again and again to renew faith and deepen understanding. This book is an accessible introduction to how that story is presented in the New Testament, firstly in the four different accounts of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, followed by the early years of the Church and the ensuing series of letters and commentaries on those events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarting with an analysis of the four Gospels, \u003cem\u003eThe Story We Live By\u003c\/em\u003e shows how the New Testament writers shaped their material to communicate the truth of Jesus' teaching to their audiences and how their writings arise from and still maintain continuity with the Old Testament. It also covers issues such as authorship, textual dating and the different literary forms used from sermons to apocalypse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains a prologue and 15 chapters divided up as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrologue: The Story behind the Story (relationship between Old and New Testaments)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 1: The Story of Jesus (the four gospels - 5 chapters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 2: The Church's Story (Acts, Paul, Paul's letters - 8 chapters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 3: Living by the Story (Hebrews, letters of James, Peter, John, Jude; Revelation)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-20T11:47:35+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-20T11:48:37+00:00","vendor":"R Alastair Campbell","type":"eBook","tags":["Biblical engagement","Glassboxx"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24423731527780,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394681","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Story We Live By: A reader's guide to the New Testament - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394681","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017556Z.jpg?v=1550663420"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017556Z.jpg?v=1550663420","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259441741963,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.638,"height":235,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017556Z.jpg?v=1550663420"},"aspect_ratio":0.638,"height":235,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017556Z.jpg?v=1550663420","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAt the heart of Christianity is a story - not a code nor a creed, but the story of Jesus. Christians have lived by this story for centuries and return to it again and again to renew faith and deepen understanding. This book is an accessible introduction to how that story is presented in the New Testament, firstly in the four different accounts of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, followed by the early years of the Church and the ensuing series of letters and commentaries on those events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarting with an analysis of the four Gospels, \u003cem\u003eThe Story We Live By\u003c\/em\u003e shows how the New Testament writers shaped their material to communicate the truth of Jesus' teaching to their audiences and how their writings arise from and still maintain continuity with the Old Testament. It also covers issues such as authorship, textual dating and the different literary forms used from sermons to apocalypse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains a prologue and 15 chapters divided up as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrologue: The Story behind the Story (relationship between Old and New Testaments)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 1: The Story of Jesus (the four gospels - 5 chapters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 2: The Church's Story (Acts, Paul, Paul's letters - 8 chapters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 3: Living by the Story (Hebrews, letters of James, Peter, John, Jude; Revelation)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e"}
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{"id":2776873762916,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Revelation: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-revelation-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Revelation to John is the strangest book in the New Testament. Its visions of destruction and transformation stimulate the imagination even as they seem to defy explanation. Over the centuries it has provided a basis for all kinds of speculation about the future, but its real message is a timeless challenge to the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis commentary shows the importance of reading Revelation alongside Old Testament books such as Daniel, Ezekiel and Zechariah. Like these other prophecies, Revelation shows the history of the world from the viewpoint of heaven. It promises God's intervention to bring about his rule and save his people, but it is also a call to witness in the face of a world seduced by wealth and power, and misled by false religion. While it was originally a message to the churches of John's own time, it also has a great deal to say to Christians today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Marcus Maxwell is Team Rector of St John's, Heaton Mersey in Stockport. He has also written Ephesians to Colossians and Philemon (BRF, 2002) for the People's Bible Commentary series. He is interested in New Testament studies, grows bonsai trees and enjoys photography.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:14+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:15+00:00","vendor":"Marcus Maxwell","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143181447268,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841013633","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Revelation: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841013633","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24186506346596,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN3633","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8780533661796,"product_id":2776873762916,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T14:07:47+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T11:05:59+00:00","alt":null,"width":150,"height":229,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3633.jpg?v=1609844759","variant_ids":[24186506346596]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Revelation: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN3633","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258665992331,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":229,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3633.jpg?v=1609844759"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3633.jpg?v=1609844759"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3633.jpg?v=1609844759","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258665992331,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":229,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3633.jpg?v=1609844759"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":229,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3633.jpg?v=1609844759","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe Revelation to John is the strangest book in the New Testament. Its visions of destruction and transformation stimulate the imagination even as they seem to defy explanation. Over the centuries it has provided a basis for all kinds of speculation about the future, but its real message is a timeless challenge to the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis commentary shows the importance of reading Revelation alongside Old Testament books such as Daniel, Ezekiel and Zechariah. Like these other prophecies, Revelation shows the history of the world from the viewpoint of heaven. It promises God's intervention to bring about his rule and save his people, but it is also a call to witness in the face of a world seduced by wealth and power, and misled by false religion. While it was originally a message to the churches of John's own time, it also has a great deal to say to Christians today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Marcus Maxwell is Team Rector of St John's, Heaton Mersey in Stockport. He has also written Ephesians to Colossians and Philemon (BRF, 2002) for the People's Bible Commentary series. He is interested in New Testament studies, grows bonsai trees and enjoys photography.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2776873042020,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Galatians and 1 \u0026 2 Thessalonians: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-galatians-and-1-2-thessalonians-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eWritten with Paul's characteristic energy and passion, the letters to the churches in Galatia and Thessalonica addressed different and specific problems arising in the new congregations of believers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Galatians wrestled with the relationship between Jewish law and Christian teaching, the Thessalonians were confused about the imminence (or otherwise) of Christ's return.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn answering these issues, Paul teaches how Christians should seek to live: celebrating their freedom while mindful of the call to holiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:10+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:12+00:00","vendor":"John Fenton","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143178989668,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010120","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Galatians and 1 \u0026 2 Thessalonians: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010120","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24186398474340,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0120","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8780427362404,"product_id":2776873042020,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T14:03:16+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T11:02:40+00:00","alt":null,"width":150,"height":230,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0120.jpg?v=1609844560","variant_ids":[24186398474340]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Galatians and 1 \u0026 2 Thessalonians: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0120","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258665762955,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":230,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0120.jpg?v=1609844560"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0120.jpg?v=1609844560"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0120.jpg?v=1609844560","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258665762955,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":230,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0120.jpg?v=1609844560"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":230,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0120.jpg?v=1609844560","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWritten with Paul's characteristic energy and passion, the letters to the churches in Galatia and Thessalonica addressed different and specific problems arising in the new congregations of believers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Galatians wrestled with the relationship between Jewish law and Christian teaching, the Thessalonians were confused about the imminence (or otherwise) of Christ's return.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn answering these issues, Paul teaches how Christians should seek to live: celebrating their freedom while mindful of the call to holiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2776872124516,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Nahum to Malachi: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-nahum-to-malachi-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese six prophets delivered their messages from God approximately 2,500 years ago, but their words still resonate in today's world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, as then, God cares passionately about injustice and oppression. He still declares judgement upon individuals, rulers and nations that defy his love and his authority, and treat harshly those they should protect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe justice of God is always tempered with mercy, however, and these prophets called their hearers - and still call us - to repent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the many centuries, they speak of the unimaginable blessings and the miraculous restoration that God promises to all who leave their sinful ways and return to him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrace Emmerson taught for many years in the University of Birmingham and continues to tutor for correspondence courses in theology, with her special interests being the Old Testament and biblical languages.She is also joint editor of BRF's 'Guidelines' Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:09+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:10+00:00","vendor":"Grace Emmerson","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143177678948,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010281","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Nahum to Malachi: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010281","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24185680330852,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0281","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8779725406308,"product_id":2776872124516,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T13:33:46+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:46:41+00:00","alt":null,"width":150,"height":233,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0281.jpg?v=1609843601","variant_ids":[24185680330852]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Nahum to Malachi: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0281","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258664550539,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.644,"height":233,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0281.jpg?v=1609843601"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0281.jpg?v=1609843601"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0281.jpg?v=1609843601","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258664550539,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.644,"height":233,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0281.jpg?v=1609843601"},"aspect_ratio":0.644,"height":233,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0281.jpg?v=1609843601","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThese six prophets delivered their messages from God approximately 2,500 years ago, but their words still resonate in today's world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, as then, God cares passionately about injustice and oppression. He still declares judgement upon individuals, rulers and nations that defy his love and his authority, and treat harshly those they should protect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe justice of God is always tempered with mercy, however, and these prophets called their hearers - and still call us - to repent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the many centuries, they speak of the unimaginable blessings and the miraculous restoration that God promises to all who leave their sinful ways and return to him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrace Emmerson taught for many years in the University of Birmingham and continues to tutor for correspondence courses in theology, with her special interests being the Old Testament and biblical languages.She is also joint editor of BRF's 'Guidelines' Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2776871960676,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Hosea to Micah: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-hosea-to-micah-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe six prophetic books that run from Hosea to Micah make a distinctly odd collection, from the well-known and serious prophetic writings of Hosea and Amos to Jonah, a light-hearted story of prophetic disaster. Then there is Obadiah, a book that most people would struggle to find, and know hardly anything about. So what connects them all?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the texts come from different times, different places and different prophets, they tell the same story. It is the story of the roller-coaster ride of God's relationship with his people, a story that looks back to God's action in the past and forward to what he will do in the future, in order to make sense of what is happening in the present. Throughout it all is the pulsing theme of God's great and abiding love for his people, and also his concern for other nations and how they relate to his plan for history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Paula Gooder is a part-time tutor at the Queen's Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education in Birmingham and a freelance writer and lecturer on the Bible. She is the author of \u003cem\u003eThe Pentateuch\u003c\/em\u003e (Continuum, 2000) and co-author with Dr Peter Kevern of \u003cem\u003eExploring New Testament Greek\u003c\/em\u003e (SCM Press, 2004).\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:07+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:08+00:00","vendor":"Paula Gooder","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143176826980,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841012452","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Hosea to Micah: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841012452","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24185638256740,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN2452","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8779669864548,"product_id":2776871960676,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T13:31:35+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:46:01+00:00","alt":null,"width":150,"height":228,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2452.jpg?v=1609843561","variant_ids":[24185638256740]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Hosea to Micah: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN2452","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258662912139,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2452.jpg?v=1609843561"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2452.jpg?v=1609843561"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2452.jpg?v=1609843561","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258662912139,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2452.jpg?v=1609843561"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2452.jpg?v=1609843561","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe six prophetic books that run from Hosea to Micah make a distinctly odd collection, from the well-known and serious prophetic writings of Hosea and Amos to Jonah, a light-hearted story of prophetic disaster. Then there is Obadiah, a book that most people would struggle to find, and know hardly anything about. So what connects them all?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the texts come from different times, different places and different prophets, they tell the same story. It is the story of the roller-coaster ride of God's relationship with his people, a story that looks back to God's action in the past and forward to what he will do in the future, in order to make sense of what is happening in the present. Throughout it all is the pulsing theme of God's great and abiding love for his people, and also his concern for other nations and how they relate to his plan for history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Paula Gooder is a part-time tutor at the Queen's Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education in Birmingham and a freelance writer and lecturer on the Bible. She is the author of \u003cem\u003eThe Pentateuch\u003c\/em\u003e (Continuum, 2000) and co-author with Dr Peter Kevern of \u003cem\u003eExploring New Testament Greek\u003c\/em\u003e (SCM Press, 2004).\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Hosea to Micah: A Bible commentary for every day
£8.99
The six prophetic books that run from Hosea to Micah make a distinctly odd collection, from the well-known and serious...
{"id":2776871403620,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Ezekiel: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-ezekiel-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eUnlike some books in the bible, Ezekiel contains many precise dates and even places linked to the oracles. The prophet's ministry begins by a river in Babylonia in 593BC, about five years after the Babylonians conquered Judah and about seven years before the cataclysmic fall of Jerusalem and the temple. That ministry continued for at least 22 years of his nation's exile from their homeland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book opens with a vision of the majesty of God contrasted with the frailty of mortals, and this vision colours the prophet's attack on the sinfulness of Israel. Time and again he attacks the idolatry and apostasy of God's chosen people, while maintaining a hope for the future. This hope is based not so much on the possibility of Israel's repentance as on the belief that God would act to reveal his glory to the world, one day restoring the nation to their own land and thereby defending the honour of his name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of The People's Bible Commentary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Ernest Lucas is Vice-Principal and Tutor in Biblical Studies at Bristol Baptist College. He is the author of \u003cem\u003eDecoding Daniel\u003c\/em\u003e (Grove Books, 2000) and \u003cem\u003eCan We Believe Genesis Today?\u003c\/em\u003e (IVP, 2001).\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:05+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:07+00:00","vendor":"Ernest Lucas","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143175614564,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010403","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Ezekiel: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010403","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24178700025956,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0403","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8771918463076,"product_id":2776871403620,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T09:34:52+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:30:17+00:00","alt":null,"width":150,"height":234,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0403.jpg?v=1609842617","variant_ids":[24178700025956]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Ezekiel: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0403","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258638139531,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.641,"height":234,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0403.jpg?v=1609842617"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0403.jpg?v=1609842617"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0403.jpg?v=1609842617","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258638139531,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.641,"height":234,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0403.jpg?v=1609842617"},"aspect_ratio":0.641,"height":234,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0403.jpg?v=1609842617","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eUnlike some books in the bible, Ezekiel contains many precise dates and even places linked to the oracles. The prophet's ministry begins by a river in Babylonia in 593BC, about five years after the Babylonians conquered Judah and about seven years before the cataclysmic fall of Jerusalem and the temple. That ministry continued for at least 22 years of his nation's exile from their homeland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book opens with a vision of the majesty of God contrasted with the frailty of mortals, and this vision colours the prophet's attack on the sinfulness of Israel. Time and again he attacks the idolatry and apostasy of God's chosen people, while maintaining a hope for the future. This hope is based not so much on the possibility of Israel's repentance as on the belief that God would act to reveal his glory to the world, one day restoring the nation to their own land and thereby defending the honour of his name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of The People's Bible Commentary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Ernest Lucas is Vice-Principal and Tutor in Biblical Studies at Bristol Baptist College. He is the author of \u003cem\u003eDecoding Daniel\u003c\/em\u003e (Grove Books, 2000) and \u003cem\u003eCan We Believe Genesis Today?\u003c\/em\u003e (IVP, 2001).\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Ezekiel: A Bible commentary for every day
£7.99
Unlike some books in the bible, Ezekiel contains many precise dates and even places linked to the oracles. The prophet's...
{"id":2776871174244,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Jeremiah: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-jeremiah-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe book of Jeremiah is one of the most moving of the Old Testament prophetic books. It reveals a prophet commissioned by God when still quite young, to bring a message of judgment that he would have preferred not to have to proclaim. While he remained obedient to his demanding call, at times he wondered whether even God had deserted him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremiah felt the people's sin acutely but also felt anguish for the punishment that he saw coming to them for their persistent disobedience to God. He was not to live to see the salvation he had predicted, speaking with a confidence based on his conviction in the ultimate triumph of God's love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the People's Bible Commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Rex Mason is a Baptist Minister who from 1975 until retirement in 1993 was Tutorial Fellow in Old Testament and Hebrew at Regent's Park College, Oxford. From 1982 to 1993 he was also appointed University Lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew at Oxford. Among the other books he has written are: \u003cem\u003ePreaching the Tradition\u003c\/em\u003e (CUP, 1990) and \u003cem\u003ePropoganda and Subversion in the Old Testament\u003c\/em\u003e (SPCK, 1997)\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:03+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:05+00:00","vendor":"Rex Mason","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143174991972,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010878","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Jeremiah: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010878","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24178071634020,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0878","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8771176333412,"product_id":2776871174244,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T09:17:18+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:29:37+00:00","alt":null,"width":150,"height":231,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017778Z.jpg?v=1609842577","variant_ids":[24178071634020]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Jeremiah: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0878","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258637877387,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.649,"height":231,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017778Z.jpg?v=1609842577"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017778Z.jpg?v=1609842577"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017778Z.jpg?v=1609842577","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258637877387,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.649,"height":231,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017778Z.jpg?v=1609842577"},"aspect_ratio":0.649,"height":231,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017778Z.jpg?v=1609842577","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe book of Jeremiah is one of the most moving of the Old Testament prophetic books. It reveals a prophet commissioned by God when still quite young, to bring a message of judgment that he would have preferred not to have to proclaim. While he remained obedient to his demanding call, at times he wondered whether even God had deserted him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremiah felt the people's sin acutely but also felt anguish for the punishment that he saw coming to them for their persistent disobedience to God. He was not to live to see the salvation he had predicted, speaking with a confidence based on his conviction in the ultimate triumph of God's love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the People's Bible Commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Rex Mason is a Baptist Minister who from 1975 until retirement in 1993 was Tutorial Fellow in Old Testament and Hebrew at Regent's Park College, Oxford. From 1982 to 1993 he was also appointed University Lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew at Oxford. Among the other books he has written are: \u003cem\u003ePreaching the Tradition\u003c\/em\u003e (CUP, 1990) and \u003cem\u003ePropoganda and Subversion in the Old Testament\u003c\/em\u003e (SPCK, 1997)\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Jeremiah: A Bible commentary for every day
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The book of Jeremiah is one of the most moving of the Old Testament prophetic books. It reveals a prophet...
{"id":2776870682724,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Proverbs: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-proverbs-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003e'As a door turns on its hinges, so does a lazy person in bed.'\u003cbr\u003e'Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.'\u003cbr\u003e'Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the world's most famous books of wisdom, Proverbs is a collection of poems, wise sayings and short parables, showing how to apply godly principles to daily life. The 31 chapters cover everything from business ethics to family life, and while some parts speak directly to young people, others advise the leaders of the land. From first to last, however, we are reminded that the source of true wisdom and understanding is knowning God himself The People's Bible Commentary (PBC) is designed for all those who want to study the scriptures in a way that will warm the heart as well as instruct the mind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnid B. Mellor s a former lecturer in religious studies at King's College, London and author of a number of books.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:01+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:03+00:00","vendor":"Enid B. Mellor","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143174140004,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010717","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Proverbs: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010717","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24146630377572,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0717","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17411727786136,"product_id":2776870682724,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-06-12T17:30:15+01:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:28:35+00:00","alt":null,"width":425,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0717.jpg?v=1609842515","variant_ids":[24146630377572]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Proverbs: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0717","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9585751195800,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":650,"width":425,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0717.jpg?v=1609842515"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0717.jpg?v=1609842515"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0717.jpg?v=1609842515","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":9585751195800,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":650,"width":425,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0717.jpg?v=1609842515"},"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0717.jpg?v=1609842515","width":425}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'As a door turns on its hinges, so does a lazy person in bed.'\u003cbr\u003e'Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.'\u003cbr\u003e'Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the world's most famous books of wisdom, Proverbs is a collection of poems, wise sayings and short parables, showing how to apply godly principles to daily life. The 31 chapters cover everything from business ethics to family life, and while some parts speak directly to young people, others advise the leaders of the land. From first to last, however, we are reminded that the source of true wisdom and understanding is knowning God himself The People's Bible Commentary (PBC) is designed for all those who want to study the scriptures in a way that will warm the heart as well as instruct the mind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnid B. Mellor s a former lecturer in religious studies at King's College, London and author of a number of books.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Proverbs: A Bible commentary for every day
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'As a door turns on its hinges, so does a lazy person in bed.''Do not boast about tomorrow, for you...
{"id":2776870387812,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Psalms 73-150: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-psalms-73-150-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo understand the Psalms, we need to remember that we are treading on holy ground. The writers of these extraordinary songs were in touch with God, the Holy One.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes they raged at him, sometimes they adored him. Often they consciously did neither, but just got on with living a godly life, keeping an eye Godwards all the while.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this second of two volumes, we continue to explore the Psalms, pondering their meanings, savouring their poetry, and joining with the communities of faith who over the years have used them in worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLord Coggan, who died in 2000, wrote many books on subjects ranging from theology and biblical studies to biography and spirituality. He was also the author of the People's Bible Commentary volume on Psalms 73-150 (BRF, 1999). He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:00+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:42:01+00:00","vendor":"Donald Coggan","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143173451876,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010656","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Psalms 73-150: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010656","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24146575261796,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0656","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17571308339352,"product_id":2776870387812,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-06-22T10:07:45+01:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:28:03+00:00","alt":null,"width":425,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0656.jpg?v=1609842483","variant_ids":[24146575261796]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Psalms 73-150: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0656","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9745417339032,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":650,"width":425,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0656.jpg?v=1609842483"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0656.jpg?v=1609842483"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0656.jpg?v=1609842483","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":9745417339032,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":650,"width":425,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0656.jpg?v=1609842483"},"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0656.jpg?v=1609842483","width":425}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eTo understand the Psalms, we need to remember that we are treading on holy ground. The writers of these extraordinary songs were in touch with God, the Holy One.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes they raged at him, sometimes they adored him. Often they consciously did neither, but just got on with living a godly life, keeping an eye Godwards all the while.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this second of two volumes, we continue to explore the Psalms, pondering their meanings, savouring their poetry, and joining with the communities of faith who over the years have used them in worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLord Coggan, who died in 2000, wrote many books on subjects ranging from theology and biblical studies to biography and spirituality. He was also the author of the People's Bible Commentary volume on Psalms 73-150 (BRF, 1999). He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2776870092900,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Psalms 1-72: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-psalms-1-72-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"To understand the Psalms, we need to remember that we are treading on holy ground.\n\u003cp\u003eThe writers of these extraordinary songs were in touch with God, the Holy One. Sometimes they raged at him, sometimes they adored him. Often they consciously did neither, but just got on with living a godly life, keeping an eye God-wards all the while.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this first of two volumes, we start to explore the Psalms, pondering their meanings, savouring their poetry, and joining with the communities of faith who over the years have used them in worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe late Lord Coggan was author of many books, on subjects ranging from theology and biblical studies to biography and spirituality. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:58+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:59+00:00","vendor":"Donald Coggan","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143171190884,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010311","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Psalms 1-72: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010311","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24146512805988,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0311","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17571312271512,"product_id":2776870092900,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-06-22T10:08:14+01:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:27:24+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0311.jpg?v=1609842444","variant_ids":[24146512805988]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Psalms 1-72: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0311","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9745421238424,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0311.jpg?v=1609842444"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0311.jpg?v=1609842444"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0311.jpg?v=1609842444","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":9745421238424,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0311.jpg?v=1609842444"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0311.jpg?v=1609842444","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"To understand the Psalms, we need to remember that we are treading on holy ground.\n\u003cp\u003eThe writers of these extraordinary songs were in touch with God, the Holy One. Sometimes they raged at him, sometimes they adored him. Often they consciously did neither, but just got on with living a godly life, keeping an eye God-wards all the while.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this first of two volumes, we start to explore the Psalms, pondering their meanings, savouring their poetry, and joining with the communities of faith who over the years have used them in worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe late Lord Coggan was author of many books, on subjects ranging from theology and biblical studies to biography and spirituality. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Psalms 1-72: A Bible commentary for every day
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{"id":2776869634148,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Job: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-job-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe book of Job airs the problem of undeserved suffering, through the case of a God-fearing man who undergoes a series of calamities until even his wife advises him to 'curse God and die'. At stake is the question of why he is good - is it only because he has enjoyed prosperity or is it due to a genuine faith and trust in God?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of the Old Testament wisdom literature, Job focuses on universal human experience, on the struggle to find a moral path through the maze of choices, and on trying to understand life's hard times. It is a masterpiece of world literature that continues to speak to suffering people, because of its sensitivity and depth of insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the People's Bible Commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Katharine Dell is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at Cambridge University and Director of Studies in Theology at St Catharine's College. She has written two other books on Job, as well as a general introduction to Old Testament wisdom literature: \u003cem\u003eGet Wisdom, Get Insight\u003c\/em\u003e (DLT, 2000). She is also the Old Testament editor of BRF's Guidelines Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:56+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:57+00:00","vendor":"Katharine Dell","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143169716324,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010946","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Job: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010946","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24146470142052,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0946","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17571319152792,"product_id":2776869634148,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-06-22T10:08:47+01:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:26:41+00:00","alt":null,"width":458,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0946.jpg?v=1609842401","variant_ids":[24146470142052]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Job: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0946","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9745428054168,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0946.jpg?v=1609842401"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0946.jpg?v=1609842401"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0946.jpg?v=1609842401","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":9745428054168,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0946.jpg?v=1609842401"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0946.jpg?v=1609842401","width":458}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe book of Job airs the problem of undeserved suffering, through the case of a God-fearing man who undergoes a series of calamities until even his wife advises him to 'curse God and die'. At stake is the question of why he is good - is it only because he has enjoyed prosperity or is it due to a genuine faith and trust in God?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of the Old Testament wisdom literature, Job focuses on universal human experience, on the struggle to find a moral path through the maze of choices, and on trying to understand life's hard times. It is a masterpiece of world literature that continues to speak to suffering people, because of its sensitivity and depth of insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the People's Bible Commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Katharine Dell is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at Cambridge University and Director of Studies in Theology at St Catharine's College. She has written two other books on Job, as well as a general introduction to Old Testament wisdom literature: \u003cem\u003eGet Wisdom, Get Insight\u003c\/em\u003e (DLT, 2000). She is also the Old Testament editor of BRF's Guidelines Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Job: A Bible commentary for every day
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{"id":2776869306468,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Chronicles to Nehemiah: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-chronicles-to-nehemiah-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003e'If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten after the nation's exile to Babylon, the books of Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah show the faithfulness of God at work in the history of Israel through years of gradual decline and final, terrible fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 and 2 Chronicles retells with special emphasis the story of King David's royal line, first set down in 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Ezra and Nehemiah, the story encompasses the hope of restoration, as the exiles start to return and rebuild the broken city of Jerusalem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRunning throughout these books is the message that what God seeks from his people is true worship and obedience, and that as they turn their hearts back to him, so he will bring them home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Tunnicliffe is a freelance tutor in adult education in the north-west of England. He contributes to the Bible reading notes Guidelines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:54+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:56+00:00","vendor":"Michael Tunnicliffe","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143169159268,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010700","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Chronicles to Nehemiah: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010700","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24146418925668,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0700","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17571327082648,"product_id":2776869306468,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-06-22T10:09:13+01:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:26:03+00:00","alt":null,"width":414,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0700.jpg?v=1609842363","variant_ids":[24146418925668]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Chronicles to Nehemiah: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0700","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9745436049560,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.637,"height":650,"width":414,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0700.jpg?v=1609842363"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0700.jpg?v=1609842363"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0700.jpg?v=1609842363","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":9745436049560,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.637,"height":650,"width":414,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0700.jpg?v=1609842363"},"aspect_ratio":0.637,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0700.jpg?v=1609842363","width":414}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten after the nation's exile to Babylon, the books of Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah show the faithfulness of God at work in the history of Israel through years of gradual decline and final, terrible fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 and 2 Chronicles retells with special emphasis the story of King David's royal line, first set down in 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Ezra and Nehemiah, the story encompasses the hope of restoration, as the exiles start to return and rebuild the broken city of Jerusalem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRunning throughout these books is the message that what God seeks from his people is true worship and obedience, and that as they turn their hearts back to him, so he will bring them home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Tunnicliffe is a freelance tutor in adult education in the north-west of England. He contributes to the Bible reading notes Guidelines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Chronicles to Nehemiah: A Bible commentary for every day
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'If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked...
{"id":2776869077092,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - 1 \u0026 2 Samuel: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-1-2-samuel-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe intertwined stories of Samuel the prophet and David, arguably greatest of the kings of Israel, have fascinated people ever since they were first written down, more than two thousand years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom God's gift of a son for Hannah to the last days of King David, the books known as 1 \u0026amp; 2 Samuel tell of larger-than-life heroes, desert warfare, politicla intrigues, adultery, murder, wise women, undying freindship, and the powerful bonds between parent and child.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout all that happens, the storyteller's aim is to show God at work - bestowing and removing his blessing, bringing both success and disaster, guiding human events to fulfil his promises to the people of Israel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarry Mowvley takes us systematically through these vital books in 113 readings, each with a double-page spread of commentary that will address both head and heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarry Mowvley is the former Deputy Principal of Bristol Baptist College and Special Lecturer in the University of Bristol. He is a contributor to BRF's \u003cem\u003eGuidelines\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes, and has written several other books on the Old Testament\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:51+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:54+00:00","vendor":"Harry Mowvley","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143168602212,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010304","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - 1 \u0026 2 Samuel: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010304","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24146321145956,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0304","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - 1 \u0026 2 Samuel: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0304","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841010304.jpg?v=1550075697"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841010304.jpg?v=1550075697","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258539606155,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":230,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841010304.jpg?v=1550075697"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":230,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841010304.jpg?v=1550075697","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe intertwined stories of Samuel the prophet and David, arguably greatest of the kings of Israel, have fascinated people ever since they were first written down, more than two thousand years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom God's gift of a son for Hannah to the last days of King David, the books known as 1 \u0026amp; 2 Samuel tell of larger-than-life heroes, desert warfare, politicla intrigues, adultery, murder, wise women, undying freindship, and the powerful bonds between parent and child.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout all that happens, the storyteller's aim is to show God at work - bestowing and removing his blessing, bringing both success and disaster, guiding human events to fulfil his promises to the people of Israel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarry Mowvley takes us systematically through these vital books in 113 readings, each with a double-page spread of commentary that will address both head and heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarry Mowvley is the former Deputy Principal of Bristol Baptist College and Special Lecturer in the University of Bristol. He is a contributor to BRF's \u003cem\u003eGuidelines\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes, and has written several other books on the Old Testament\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - 1 & 2 Samuel: A Bible commentary for every day
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The intertwined stories of Samuel the prophet and David, arguably greatest of the kings of Israel, have fascinated people ever...
{"id":2776868454500,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Ruth, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Lamentations: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-ruth-esther-ecclesiastes-song-of-songs-and-lamentations-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe short books of Ruth, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Lamentations contain both interest and difficulty disproportionate to their size. Two of them are stories set in the wider framework of Biblical history; one is a puzzling book of wisdom; one is a love poem; one is a national lament. Some of them have been the subjects of fierce debate as to whether they should be included in the Bible at all!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of these five books has profound pastoral implications, however. They take us into a world of intense joy and massive grief. Using story, poetry, proverb, dirge and lament, they run the whole gamut of human emotion. Each has its own distinctive style and emphasis and, as part of the canon of Scripture, each of these five books ultimately bear witness in some way to the gospel message.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Robert Fyall is Director of Rutherford House, a theological research institute in Edinburgh, having previously taught Old Testament at St John's College, Durham. He has written a number of commentaries, most recently \u003cem\u003eNow My Eyes Have Seen You: images of creation and evil in the book of Job\u003c\/em\u003e (IVP, 2002).\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:48+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:51+00:00","vendor":"Robert Fyall","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143167651940,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841012421","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Ruth, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Lamentations: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841012421","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24146278088804,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN2421","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17571387441304,"product_id":2776868454500,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-06-22T10:13:43+01:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:18:16+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN2421.jpg?v=1609841896","variant_ids":[24146278088804]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Ruth, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Lamentations: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN2421","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9745497129112,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN2421.jpg?v=1609841896"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN2421.jpg?v=1609841896"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN2421.jpg?v=1609841896","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":9745497129112,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN2421.jpg?v=1609841896"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN2421.jpg?v=1609841896","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe short books of Ruth, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Lamentations contain both interest and difficulty disproportionate to their size. Two of them are stories set in the wider framework of Biblical history; one is a puzzling book of wisdom; one is a love poem; one is a national lament. Some of them have been the subjects of fierce debate as to whether they should be included in the Bible at all!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of these five books has profound pastoral implications, however. They take us into a world of intense joy and massive grief. Using story, poetry, proverb, dirge and lament, they run the whole gamut of human emotion. Each has its own distinctive style and emphasis and, as part of the canon of Scripture, each of these five books ultimately bear witness in some way to the gospel message.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Robert Fyall is Director of Rutherford House, a theological research institute in Edinburgh, having previously taught Old Testament at St John's College, Durham. He has written a number of commentaries, most recently \u003cem\u003eNow My Eyes Have Seen You: images of creation and evil in the book of Job\u003c\/em\u003e (IVP, 2002).\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Ruth, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Lamentations: A Bible commentary for every day
£8.99
The short books of Ruth, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Lamentations contain both interest and difficulty disproportionate to their...
{"id":2776868061284,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Joshua and Judges: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-joshua-and-judges-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe books of Joshua and Judges resemble different stretches of the same river. The Joshua stretch flows clear and strong. The people of Israel face challenges and experience solutions and victories. But the Judges stretch turns murky as the people create trouble by allowing the evil of the surrounding culture to pollute them. God is at work, though, in both stretches of river.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Hebrew Scriptures, Joshua and Judges join the books of Samuel and Kings as 'former prophets'. As prophetic books, they aim to challenge, indict and inspire God's people. The authors drew from events of the past to challenge a later generation of God's people about the way to live before God, and they call us today to clear up our picture of God and then to adjust our lives accordingly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Steven D Mathewson is Senior Pastor of Dry Creek Bible Church in Belgrade, Montana, USA and is an Instructor at Montana Bible College. He is the author of \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative\u003c\/em\u003e (Baker\/Paternoster, 2002). He has written numerous articles and has contributed notes to \u003cem\u003eThe Quest Study Bible\u003c\/em\u003e (Zondervan, 1994).\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:46+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:48+00:00","vendor":"Steven Mathewson","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143165751396,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010953","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Joshua and Judges: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010953","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24146210783332,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0953","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17571396419736,"product_id":2776868061284,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-06-22T10:14:17+01:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:17:31+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0953.jpg?v=1609841851","variant_ids":[24146210783332]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Joshua and Judges: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0953","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9745506074776,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0953.jpg?v=1609841851"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0953.jpg?v=1609841851"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0953.jpg?v=1609841851","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":9745506074776,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0953.jpg?v=1609841851"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0953.jpg?v=1609841851","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe books of Joshua and Judges resemble different stretches of the same river. The Joshua stretch flows clear and strong. The people of Israel face challenges and experience solutions and victories. But the Judges stretch turns murky as the people create trouble by allowing the evil of the surrounding culture to pollute them. God is at work, though, in both stretches of river.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Hebrew Scriptures, Joshua and Judges join the books of Samuel and Kings as 'former prophets'. As prophetic books, they aim to challenge, indict and inspire God's people. The authors drew from events of the past to challenge a later generation of God's people about the way to live before God, and they call us today to clear up our picture of God and then to adjust our lives accordingly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Steven D Mathewson is Senior Pastor of Dry Creek Bible Church in Belgrade, Montana, USA and is an Instructor at Montana Bible College. He is the author of \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative\u003c\/em\u003e (Baker\/Paternoster, 2002). He has written numerous articles and has contributed notes to \u003cem\u003eThe Quest Study Bible\u003c\/em\u003e (Zondervan, 1994).\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Joshua and Judges: A Bible commentary for every day
£7.99
The books of Joshua and Judges resemble different stretches of the same river. The Joshua stretch flows clear and strong....
{"id":2776867733604,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-deuteronomy-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn some Jewish traditions, Deuteronomy is the first book of scripture taught to children. It presents the law of Moses as a coherent whole, including material from Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. But Deuteronomy is as much about encouragement as about rules, and is full of guidance, help and exhortation. This is stressed repeatedly with phrases more appropriate to the pulpit than the law court, such as 'hear', 'observe', 'love' and 'obey'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Christians, Deuteronomy is one of the three books most quoted in the New Testament, along with Psalms and Isaiah. Studying it is a key part of seeing how the Bible fits together as a whole, and how the Old Testament lays a theological basis for Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Philip Johnston has taught the Old Testament studies for over twenty years in colleges in Belfast, Cambridge, St Andrews and now Oxford, where he is Director of Studies at Wycliffe Hall. He has written or edited several theological books, notably \u003cem\u003eShades of Sheol: Death and Afterlife in the Old Testament\u003c\/em\u003e (Apollos, 2002).\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:45+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:46+00:00","vendor":"Philip Johnston","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143163654244,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841013183","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841013183","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24145937137764,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN3183","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17571403301016,"product_id":2776867733604,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-06-22T10:14:46+01:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:16:00+00:00","alt":null,"width":429,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN3183.jpg?v=1609841760","variant_ids":[24145937137764]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN3183","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9745512628376,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.66,"height":650,"width":429,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN3183.jpg?v=1609841760"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN3183.jpg?v=1609841760"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN3183.jpg?v=1609841760","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":9745512628376,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.66,"height":650,"width":429,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN3183.jpg?v=1609841760"},"aspect_ratio":0.66,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN3183.jpg?v=1609841760","width":429}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIn some Jewish traditions, Deuteronomy is the first book of scripture taught to children. It presents the law of Moses as a coherent whole, including material from Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. But Deuteronomy is as much about encouragement as about rules, and is full of guidance, help and exhortation. This is stressed repeatedly with phrases more appropriate to the pulpit than the law court, such as 'hear', 'observe', 'love' and 'obey'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Christians, Deuteronomy is one of the three books most quoted in the New Testament, along with Psalms and Isaiah. Studying it is a key part of seeing how the Bible fits together as a whole, and how the Old Testament lays a theological basis for Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Philip Johnston has taught the Old Testament studies for over twenty years in colleges in Belfast, Cambridge, St Andrews and now Oxford, where he is Director of Studies at Wycliffe Hall. He has written or edited several theological books, notably \u003cem\u003eShades of Sheol: Death and Afterlife in the Old Testament\u003c\/em\u003e (Apollos, 2002).\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy: A Bible commentary for every day
£8.99
In some Jewish traditions, Deuteronomy is the first book of scripture taught to children. It presents the law of Moses...
{"id":2776867471460,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Leviticus and Numbers: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-leviticus-and-numbers-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe books of Leviticus and Numbers take us to the edge of the promised land and prepare us for the next stage in the fulfilment of God's promises to Abraham.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile both books show God as all-powerful redeemer, the theme of holiness is particularly emphasized in Leviticus - because God is holy, his people must be holy and must approach him on his terms. Numbers continues this theme but focuses on God's long-suffering nature and the fulfilment of the promise of land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile these two books can look forbidding to the first-time reader, with their details about sacrificial rituals, purity laws and territorial divisions, they contain vital background for understanding the New Testament. Understanding their message helps us to grasp more fully the significance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who 'died according to the Scriptures' (1 Corinthians 15:3), and also challenges us with crucial questions about the nature of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Mike Butterworth has been involved in theological education for the past thirty years in India and Britain. He is currently Principal of St Albans and Oxford Ministry Course and is also involved in practical ministry at his local village church.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:42+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:41:44+00:00","vendor":"Mike Butterworth","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24143159984228,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841011929","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Leviticus and Numbers: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841011929","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24145586552932,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN1929","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8737542471780,"product_id":2776867471460,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-13T16:40:38+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:15:42+00:00","alt":null,"width":150,"height":228,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017808Z.jpg?v=1609841742","variant_ids":[24145586552932]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Leviticus and Numbers: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN1929","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258549633163,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017808Z.jpg?v=1609841742"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017808Z.jpg?v=1609841742"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017808Z.jpg?v=1609841742","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258549633163,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017808Z.jpg?v=1609841742"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017808Z.jpg?v=1609841742","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe books of Leviticus and Numbers take us to the edge of the promised land and prepare us for the next stage in the fulfilment of God's promises to Abraham.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile both books show God as all-powerful redeemer, the theme of holiness is particularly emphasized in Leviticus - because God is holy, his people must be holy and must approach him on his terms. Numbers continues this theme but focuses on God's long-suffering nature and the fulfilment of the promise of land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile these two books can look forbidding to the first-time reader, with their details about sacrificial rituals, purity laws and territorial divisions, they contain vital background for understanding the New Testament. Understanding their message helps us to grasp more fully the significance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who 'died according to the Scriptures' (1 Corinthians 15:3), and also challenges us with crucial questions about the nature of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Mike Butterworth has been involved in theological education for the past thirty years in India and Britain. He is currently Principal of St Albans and Oxford Ministry Course and is also involved in practical ministry at his local village church.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Leviticus and Numbers: A Bible commentary for every day
£7.99
The books of Leviticus and Numbers take us to the edge of the promised land and prepare us for the...
{"id":2776757895268,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Timothy, Titus and Hebrews: A Bible commentary for every day","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-timothy-titus-and-hebrews-a-bible-commentary-for-every-day","description":"\u003cp\u003eUnlike most of the letters of Paul, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are written not to church communities but to individuals caught up in the midst of challenging situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHebrews, on the other hand, is a quite distinctive letter, with its compelling presentation of how, in the coming of Jesus, God has given us something 'better' than all that had gone before in the Old Testament period.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll four letters are written, however, to help churches to develop the distinctive lifestyle of Jesus' followers in an often hostile world. Theological questions are interwoven with pastoral concerns as the writers seek to guide the growing congregations towards maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCombining the latest scholarship with straightforward language and a reverent attitude to Scripture, it aims to instruct the head and warm the heart. The authors come from around the world and across the Christian traditions, and offer serious yet accessible commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe People's Bible Commentary is an invaluable resource for first-time students of the Bible, for all who read the bible regularly, for study group leaders, and anyone involved in preaching and teaching Scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe late Revd Dick France was an Anglican clergyman and a New Testament scholar and writer. He taught at two Nigerian universities and at the London School of Theology before becoming principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Before retirement he was Rector of a group of small rural parishes on the Welsh border.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:31:03+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:31:05+00:00","vendor":"Dick France","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24142757134436,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841011196","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Timothy, Titus and Hebrews: A Bible commentary for every day - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841011196","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24186475184228,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN1196","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8780500598884,"product_id":2776757895268,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T14:06:20+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T11:05:06+00:00","alt":null,"width":125,"height":196,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1196.jpg?v=1609844706","variant_ids":[24186475184228]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Timothy, Titus and Hebrews: A Bible commentary for every day - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN1196","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258665959563,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.638,"height":196,"width":125,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1196.jpg?v=1609844706"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1196.jpg?v=1609844706"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1196.jpg?v=1609844706","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258665959563,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.638,"height":196,"width":125,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1196.jpg?v=1609844706"},"aspect_ratio":0.638,"height":196,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1196.jpg?v=1609844706","width":125}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eUnlike most of the letters of Paul, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are written not to church communities but to individuals caught up in the midst of challenging situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHebrews, on the other hand, is a quite distinctive letter, with its compelling presentation of how, in the coming of Jesus, God has given us something 'better' than all that had gone before in the Old Testament period.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll four letters are written, however, to help churches to develop the distinctive lifestyle of Jesus' followers in an often hostile world. Theological questions are interwoven with pastoral concerns as the writers seek to guide the growing congregations towards maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCombining the latest scholarship with straightforward language and a reverent attitude to Scripture, it aims to instruct the head and warm the heart. The authors come from around the world and across the Christian traditions, and offer serious yet accessible commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe People's Bible Commentary is an invaluable resource for first-time students of the Bible, for all who read the bible regularly, for study group leaders, and anyone involved in preaching and teaching Scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe late Revd Dick France was an Anglican clergyman and a New Testament scholar and writer. He taught at two Nigerian universities and at the London School of Theology before becoming principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Before retirement he was Rector of a group of small rural parishes on the Welsh border.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Timothy, Titus and Hebrews: A Bible commentary for every day
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{"id":2776757436516,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Ephesians to Colossians and Philemon: A devotional commentary for study and preaching","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-ephesians-to-colossians-and-philemon-a-devotional-commentary-for-study-and-preaching","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are known as the 'captivity epistles' because in each of them Paul appears to refer to writing them while he was in prison. While they share a common theme of the call to serve Christ, whatever our individual circumstances, they are also very different from each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePhilippians is written to a church about which Paul has no serious worries, while Colossians addresses a serious threat from false teaching. The personal letter to Philemon concerns a runaway slave, whereas Ephesians offers general encouragement and exhortation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbout the series:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe People's Bible Commentary covers the whole Bible with an approach that presents scholarly insights in straightforward terms, aiming to instruct the head but also to warm the heart, and pointing to how the truths received can be applied personally. It is a valuable resource for all who regularly preach scripture, for those wanting to venture deeper into personal Bible reading, and for study group leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Marcus Maxwell is Team Rector of the five parishes of the Heatons Team Ministry in Stockport, in the Diocese of Manchester. He is a tutor for the Southern North West Training Partnership, involved in teaching biblical studies to ordinands and lay readers.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:31:01+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:31:03+00:00","vendor":"Marcus Maxwell","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24142756446308,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010472","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Ephesians to Colossians and Philemon: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010472","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24186413285476,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0472","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8780445876324,"product_id":2776757436516,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T14:04:05+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T11:03:19+00:00","alt":null,"width":150,"height":228,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0472.jpg?v=1609844599","variant_ids":[24186413285476]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Ephesians to Colossians and Philemon: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0472","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258665795723,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0472.jpg?v=1609844599"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0472.jpg?v=1609844599"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0472.jpg?v=1609844599","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258665795723,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0472.jpg?v=1609844599"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0472.jpg?v=1609844599","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are known as the 'captivity epistles' because in each of them Paul appears to refer to writing them while he was in prison. While they share a common theme of the call to serve Christ, whatever our individual circumstances, they are also very different from each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePhilippians is written to a church about which Paul has no serious worries, while Colossians addresses a serious threat from false teaching. The personal letter to Philemon concerns a runaway slave, whereas Ephesians offers general encouragement and exhortation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbout the series:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe People's Bible Commentary covers the whole Bible with an approach that presents scholarly insights in straightforward terms, aiming to instruct the head but also to warm the heart, and pointing to how the truths received can be applied personally. It is a valuable resource for all who regularly preach scripture, for those wanting to venture deeper into personal Bible reading, and for study group leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Marcus Maxwell is Team Rector of the five parishes of the Heatons Team Ministry in Stockport, in the Diocese of Manchester. He is a tutor for the Southern North West Training Partnership, involved in teaching biblical studies to ordinands and lay readers.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Ephesians to Colossians and Philemon: A devotional commentary for study and preaching
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{"id":2776757174372,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians: A devotional commentary for study and preaching","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-2-corinthians-a-devotional-commentary-for-study-and-preaching","description":"\u003cp\u003ePaul's second letter to the young church at Corinth is forged in difficult circumstances. False teachers were challenging his authority and he also had to defend the practice of church discipline for those who had strayed. Despite the believers' failings - their criticism of Paul's ministry in particular- his love and concern for them shines throughout this letter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove all, he yearns for them to hold to the truth revealed to them: 'This extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us...'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Aida Besancon Spencer is Professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts, USA. She has written numerous books, chapters and articles including \u003cem\u003eBeyond the Curse\u003c\/em\u003e (Hendrickson, 1989) and, most recently, \u003cem\u003eMarriage at the Crossroads\u003c\/em\u003e (IVP, 2009) and \u003cem\u003eGlobal Voices on Biblical Equality\u003c\/em\u003e (Wipf and Stock, 2008).\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:58+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:31:00+00:00","vendor":"Dr Aida Besancon Spencer","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24142755659876,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010731","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010731","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24186337820772,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0731","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8780369330276,"product_id":2776757174372,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T14:01:00+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T11:04:32+00:00","alt":null,"width":368,"height":561,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0731.jpg?v=1609844672","variant_ids":[24186337820772]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0731","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258665336971,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"width":368,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0731.jpg?v=1609844672"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0731.jpg?v=1609844672"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0731.jpg?v=1609844672","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258665336971,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"width":368,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0731.jpg?v=1609844672"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0731.jpg?v=1609844672","width":368}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePaul's second letter to the young church at Corinth is forged in difficult circumstances. False teachers were challenging his authority and he also had to defend the practice of church discipline for those who had strayed. Despite the believers' failings - their criticism of Paul's ministry in particular- his love and concern for them shines throughout this letter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove all, he yearns for them to hold to the truth revealed to them: 'This extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us...'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Aida Besancon Spencer is Professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts, USA. She has written numerous books, chapters and articles including \u003cem\u003eBeyond the Curse\u003c\/em\u003e (Hendrickson, 1989) and, most recently, \u003cem\u003eMarriage at the Crossroads\u003c\/em\u003e (IVP, 2009) and \u003cem\u003eGlobal Voices on Biblical Equality\u003c\/em\u003e (Wipf and Stock, 2008).\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians: A devotional commentary for study and preaching
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Paul's second letter to the young church at Corinth is forged in difficult circumstances. False teachers were challenging his authority...
{"id":2776756781156,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians: A devotional commentary for study and preaching","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-1-corinthians-a-devotional-commentary-for-study-and-preaching","description":"\u003cp\u003ePaul's first letter to the Christians in Corinth was written to help them live out their faith in one of the largest and most notorious cities in the ancient world. He had to provide teaching to help them grapple with such questions as 'what does 'freedom in Christ' mean?', 'how should believers practice the gifts of the Spirit?' and 'what is the role of women in the worshipping community?'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe apostle's worlds of confrontation, correction, reconciliation and blessing still resonate in our lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eJerome Murphy-O'Connor, OP is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem. His research focuses on Paul, the historical Jesus, and the archaeology of Jerusalem. Recently he published Paul: His Story (OUP, 2005); Jesus and Paul Parallel Lives (Liturgical Press, 2007) and Becoming Human Together (SBL, 2009).\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:56+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:58+00:00","vendor":"Jerome Murphy-O'Connor","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24142754971748,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841011226","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841011226","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24186306658404,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN1226","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8780333809764,"product_id":2776756781156,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T13:59:28+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T11:04:06+00:00","alt":null,"width":368,"height":561,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1226-l.jpg?v=1609844646","variant_ids":[24186306658404]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN1226","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258665304203,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"width":368,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1226-l.jpg?v=1609844646"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1226-l.jpg?v=1609844646"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1226-l.jpg?v=1609844646","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258665304203,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"width":368,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1226-l.jpg?v=1609844646"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD1226-l.jpg?v=1609844646","width":368}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePaul's first letter to the Christians in Corinth was written to help them live out their faith in one of the largest and most notorious cities in the ancient world. He had to provide teaching to help them grapple with such questions as 'what does 'freedom in Christ' mean?', 'how should believers practice the gifts of the Spirit?' and 'what is the role of women in the worshipping community?'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe apostle's worlds of confrontation, correction, reconciliation and blessing still resonate in our lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eJerome Murphy-O'Connor, OP is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem. His research focuses on Paul, the historical Jesus, and the archaeology of Jerusalem. Recently he published Paul: His Story (OUP, 2005); Jesus and Paul Parallel Lives (Liturgical Press, 2007) and Becoming Human Together (SBL, 2009).\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians: A devotional commentary for study and preaching
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Paul's first letter to the Christians in Corinth was written to help them live out their faith in one of...
{"id":2776756486244,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Romans: A devotional commentary for study and preaching","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-romans-a-devotional-commentary-for-study-and-preaching","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe apostle Paul had not visited the church in Rome when he wrote to them. In doing so, he introduces himself and sets out the gospel message, from the fallen state of humanity to the gift of salvation available through the death, resurrection and Spirit of Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe explores the consequences of salvation - how new believers should be characterised by freedom from sin and death and by submission to God, and what it means for their life together and for all God's Chosen People.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eJames D. G. Dunn is Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity at Durham University. He is now completing his trilogy, Christianity in the Making (Jesus Remembered, Eerdmans, 2003; Beginning from Jerusalem, 2009). Other recent publications include New Testament Theology (Abingdon, 2009) and Jesus, Paul and the Gospels (Eerdmans, 2010). \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:54+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:56+00:00","vendor":"James D G Dunn","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24142754349156,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010823","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Romans: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010823","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24186267140196,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0823","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8780303040612,"product_id":2776756486244,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T13:57:59+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T11:01:56+00:00","alt":null,"width":369,"height":561,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0823-l.jpg?v=1609844516","variant_ids":[24186267140196]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Romans: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0823","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258665271435,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0823-l.jpg?v=1609844516"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0823-l.jpg?v=1609844516"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0823-l.jpg?v=1609844516","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258665271435,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0823-l.jpg?v=1609844516"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0823-l.jpg?v=1609844516","width":369}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe apostle Paul had not visited the church in Rome when he wrote to them. In doing so, he introduces himself and sets out the gospel message, from the fallen state of humanity to the gift of salvation available through the death, resurrection and Spirit of Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe explores the consequences of salvation - how new believers should be characterised by freedom from sin and death and by submission to God, and what it means for their life together and for all God's Chosen People.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eJames D. G. Dunn is Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity at Durham University. He is now completing his trilogy, Christianity in the Making (Jesus Remembered, Eerdmans, 2003; Beginning from Jerusalem, 2009). Other recent publications include New Testament Theology (Abingdon, 2009) and Jesus, Paul and the Gospels (Eerdmans, 2010). \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Romans: A devotional commentary for study and preaching
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The apostle Paul had not visited the church in Rome when he wrote to them. In doing so, he introduces...
{"id":2776756224100,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Acts: A devotional commentary for study and preaching","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-acts-a-devotional-commentary-for-study-and-preaching","description":"\u003cp\u003eActs is the story of the birth of the church and the beginnings of its journey around the world. The author, Luke, traces this journey from an upstairs room in Jerusalem through the travels of a host of individual disciples across the Mediterranean world, spreading the gospel wherever they go.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also the story of the journey of faith - one of Luke's favourite metaphors for discipleship is 'the Way'. As we read, we share the excitement of those first Christians in finding that God is 'out there', waiting to meet and surprise them in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Canon Professor Loveday Alexander is Emeritus Professor of Biblical Studies at The University of Sheffield, Visiting Professor at the University of Chester, and Canon Theologian at Chester Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:52+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:54+00:00","vendor":"Loveday Alexander","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24142754021476,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841012162","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Acts: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841012162","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24186230440036,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN2162","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8780272599140,"product_id":2776756224100,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T13:56:43+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T11:01:25+00:00","alt":null,"width":150,"height":228,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2162.jpg?v=1609844485","variant_ids":[24186230440036]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Acts: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN2162","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258665238667,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2162.jpg?v=1609844485"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2162.jpg?v=1609844485"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2162.jpg?v=1609844485","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258665238667,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"width":150,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2162.jpg?v=1609844485"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":228,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2162.jpg?v=1609844485","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eActs is the story of the birth of the church and the beginnings of its journey around the world. The author, Luke, traces this journey from an upstairs room in Jerusalem through the travels of a host of individual disciples across the Mediterranean world, spreading the gospel wherever they go.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also the story of the journey of faith - one of Luke's favourite metaphors for discipleship is 'the Way'. As we read, we share the excitement of those first Christians in finding that God is 'out there', waiting to meet and surprise them in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Canon Professor Loveday Alexander is Emeritus Professor of Biblical Studies at The University of Sheffield, Visiting Professor at the University of Chester, and Canon Theologian at Chester Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Acts: A devotional commentary for study and preaching
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Acts is the story of the birth of the church and the beginnings of its journey around the world. The...
{"id":2776755929188,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - John: A devotional commentary for study and preaching","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-john-a-devotional-commentary-for-study-and-preaching","description":"\u003cp\u003eJohn's Gospel is a sublime masterpiece that has occupied theologians and mystics for centuries. It has been described as 'a book in which a child may paddle but an elephant can swim deep.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the same time, it is still a story - the story of Jesus' deeds and words, his signs and teaching, and how these led to his arrest, death and resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis commentary follows the flow of John's narrative, showing how it is patterned and devised, to help the reader grow in understanding and also in faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbout the series:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe People's Bible Commentary covers the whole Bible with an approach that presents scholarly insights in straightforward terms, aiming to instruct the head but also to warm the heart, and pointing to how the truths received can be applied personally. It is a valuable resource for all who regularly preach scripture, for those wanting to venture deeper into personal Bible reading, and for study group leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Professor Richard Burridge is Dean of King's College London, where he is also Professor of Biblical Interpretation. Among other books, he has written Four Gospels, One Jesus? (SPCK\/Eerdmans, 2005), What are the Gospels? (Eerdmans, 2004) and Imitating Jesus (Eerdmans 2007), shorlisted for the Michael Ramsey Prize 2009.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:50+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:52+00:00","vendor":"Richard A Burridge","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24142753661028,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841018508","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - John: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841018508","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24186192298084,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN8508","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8780240683108,"product_id":2776755929188,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T13:55:10+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T11:00:07+00:00","alt":null,"width":369,"height":561,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8508.jpg?v=1609844407","variant_ids":[24186192298084]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - John: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN8508","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258665205899,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8508.jpg?v=1609844407"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8508.jpg?v=1609844407"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8508.jpg?v=1609844407","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258665205899,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8508.jpg?v=1609844407"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8508.jpg?v=1609844407","width":369}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eJohn's Gospel is a sublime masterpiece that has occupied theologians and mystics for centuries. It has been described as 'a book in which a child may paddle but an elephant can swim deep.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the same time, it is still a story - the story of Jesus' deeds and words, his signs and teaching, and how these led to his arrest, death and resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis commentary follows the flow of John's narrative, showing how it is patterned and devised, to help the reader grow in understanding and also in faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbout the series:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe People's Bible Commentary covers the whole Bible with an approach that presents scholarly insights in straightforward terms, aiming to instruct the head but also to warm the heart, and pointing to how the truths received can be applied personally. It is a valuable resource for all who regularly preach scripture, for those wanting to venture deeper into personal Bible reading, and for study group leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Professor Richard Burridge is Dean of King's College London, where he is also Professor of Biblical Interpretation. Among other books, he has written Four Gospels, One Jesus? (SPCK\/Eerdmans, 2005), What are the Gospels? (Eerdmans, 2004) and Imitating Jesus (Eerdmans 2007), shorlisted for the Michael Ramsey Prize 2009.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - John: A devotional commentary for study and preaching
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John's Gospel is a sublime masterpiece that has occupied theologians and mystics for centuries. It has been described as 'a...
{"id":2776755503204,"title":"The People's Bible Commentary - Luke: A devotional commentary for study and preaching","handle":"the-peoples-bible-commentary-luke-a-devotional-commentary-for-study-and-preaching","description":"\u003cp\u003eLuke's Gospel contrasts with the other Gospels - the energy of Mark, the mystical poetry of John, the Jewish focus of Matthew.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWriting with the historian's eye for narrative detail, he stresses how acceptance of Jesus' message means a complete reversal of worldly standards of success and how we need to share God's passion for the poor and excluded.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout his Gospel he also drops hints to remind his readers how the message of salvation will spread beyond the people of Israel, as he shows in his second volume, the Acts of the Apostles.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbout the series:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe People's Bible Commentary covers the whole Bible with an approach that presents scholarly insights in straightforward terms, aiming to instruct the head but also to warm the heart, and pointing to how the truths received can be applied personally. It is a valuable resource for all who regularly preach scripture, for those wanting to venture deeper into personal Bible reading, and for study group leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eDom Henry Wansborough OSB is a monk of Ampleforth in Yorkshire. He has served as Chairman of the Oxford Faculty of Theology and is Executive Secretary of the International Commission for Preparing an English-language Lectionary (ICPEL). \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:48+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-13T15:30:49+00:00","vendor":"Henry Wansbrough","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF","The People's Bible Commentary"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24142751662180,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841010274","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Luke: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841010274","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24185877135460,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0274","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8779932860516,"product_id":2776755503204,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-14T13:42:14+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-05T10:57:33+00:00","alt":null,"width":368,"height":561,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0274-l.jpg?v=1609844253","variant_ids":[24185877135460]},"available":true,"name":"The People's Bible Commentary - Luke: A devotional commentary for study and preaching - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWN0274","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258664648843,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"width":368,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0274-l.jpg?v=1609844253"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0274-l.jpg?v=1609844253"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0274-l.jpg?v=1609844253","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3258664648843,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"width":368,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0274-l.jpg?v=1609844253"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0274-l.jpg?v=1609844253","width":368}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eLuke's Gospel contrasts with the other Gospels - the energy of Mark, the mystical poetry of John, the Jewish focus of Matthew.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWriting with the historian's eye for narrative detail, he stresses how acceptance of Jesus' message means a complete reversal of worldly standards of success and how we need to share God's passion for the poor and excluded.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout his Gospel he also drops hints to remind his readers how the message of salvation will spread beyond the people of Israel, as he shows in his second volume, the Acts of the Apostles.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbout the series:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe People's Bible Commentary covers the whole Bible with an approach that presents scholarly insights in straightforward terms, aiming to instruct the head but also to warm the heart, and pointing to how the truths received can be applied personally. It is a valuable resource for all who regularly preach scripture, for those wanting to venture deeper into personal Bible reading, and for study group leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eDom Henry Wansborough OSB is a monk of Ampleforth in Yorkshire. He has served as Chairman of the Oxford Faculty of Theology and is Executive Secretary of the International Commission for Preparing an English-language Lectionary (ICPEL). \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The People's Bible Commentary - Luke: A devotional commentary for study and preaching
£8.99
Luke's Gospel contrasts with the other Gospels - the energy of Mark, the mystical poetry of John, the Jewish focus...