Misreading Scripture: Apr 19/25

Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes
Author(s): E. Randolph Richards and Richard James
Publisher: IVP Academic
Price: $6.99       (Ends Apr 30)

The Bible was written within collectivist cultures. When Westerners, immersed in individualism, read the Bible, it’s easy to misinterpret important elements—or miss them altogether. In any culture, the most important things usually go without being said. So to read Scripture well we benefit when we uncover the unspoken social structures and values of its world. We need to recalibrate our vision.

Combining the expertise of a biblical scholar and a missionary practitioner, Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes is an essential guidebook to the cultural background of the Bible and how it should inform our reading. E. Randolph Richards and Richard James explore deep social structures of the ancient Mediterranean—kinship, patronage, and brokerage—along with their key social tools—honor, shame, and boundaries—that the biblical authors lived in and lie below the surface of each text. From Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar to Peter’s instructions to elders, the authors strip away individualist assumptions and bring the world of the biblical writers to life.

Expanding on the popular Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, this book makes clear how understanding collectivism will help us better understand the Bible, which in turn will help us live more faithfully in an increasingly globalized world.

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Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes
Author(s): E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien
Publisher: IVP
Price: $3.99       (Ends Apr 30)

Over 100,000 Copies Sold Worldwide!

Understand Scripture on Its Own Terms

What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. For example:

When Western readers hear Paul exhorting women to “dress modestly,” we automatically think in terms of sexual modesty. But most women in that culture would never wear racy clothing. The context suggests that Paul is likely more concerned about economic modesty—that Christian women not flaunt their wealth through expensive clothes, braided hair and gold jewelry.
Some readers might assume that Moses married “below himself” because his wife was a dark-skinned Cushite. Actually, Hebrews were the slave race, not the Cushites, who were highly respected. Aaron and Miriam probably thought Moses was being presumptuous by marrying “above himself.”
Western individualism leads us to assume that Mary and Joseph traveled alone to Bethlehem. What went without saying was that they were likely accompanied by a large entourage of extended family.
Biblical scholars Brandon O’Brien and Randy Richards shed light on the ways that Western readers often misunderstand the cultural dynamics of the Bible. They identify nine key areas where modern Westerners have significantly different assumptions about what might be going on in a text. Drawing on their own crosscultural experience in global mission, O’Brien and Richards show how better self-awareness and understanding of cultural differences in language, time and social mores allow us to see the Bible in fresh and unexpected ways.

Getting beyond our own cultural assumptions is increasingly important for being Christians in our interconnected and globalized world. Learn to read Scripture as a member of the global body of Christ.

In the Presence of Jesus

Author(s): Paul Bane and Matt Lintton
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum
Price: $3.99       (Ends Nov 1)

A 40-day journey to calm your restless, anxious thoughts and listen for the voice of Jesus.
In the stress, noise, and activity of modern life, there is a way of finding inner peace and contentment. In the Presence of Jesus will help you learn to quiet your mind and focus your attention on the grace and love that is only available in God’s presence. Deeply faithful to Scripture and infused with the truth of Christ’s unwavering love on every page, In the Presence of Jesus is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step, daily guide that will empower you to transfer the truth of His everlasting love for you from your head to your heart. This 40-day journey will help you focus on the character of Jesus and open your spirit to His presence in your life.

Every day, you’ll experience:
an invocation welcoming Christ’s presence into your devotional time
a personal note as if it were written by Jesus to you, drawn carefully from Scripture and opening your heart to the grace of Christ
Bible verses to meditate on
daily prayers, reflection activities, and blessings to help you focus on Christ’s presence with you throughout your day.
Awaken moment by moment to the presence of a loving God—and find peace for your mind and soul.

 

Contending with Paul (Book 1 & 2)

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Contending with Paul: The Hidden Story Behind the Writing of Matthew, Mark, and Luke
Author(s): William Joseph Cobble
Price: $4.99       (Ends Dec 30)

Top 10 International Best Seller Rankings:

#1 in “Biographies of Judaism” (United Kingdom, June 2024)
#2 in “Christian History” (United States, August 2024)
#5 in “Christian History” (Australia, September 2024)
#9 in “Theology” (Canada, August 2024)

Using a blend of history, theology, biography, and literary criticism, Contending with Paul focuses primarily on the first two generations of the Christian movement. It is the first generation who would initially debate how the message of Jesus should be presented to the Gentile world (non-Jews) and what would be expected of those Gentiles who desired to follow Jesus. It is the second generation of believers who began to write in a new literary genre that Christians call “gospels.” The Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Mark, and the Gospel of Luke, are the earliest three to have survived, and it is through these writings that the debates of the first generation get carried forward by the second. Though all three gospels were written after the death of Paul, it is asserted by the author that each gospel writer contended with his continuing influence in some way, though each from their own distinctive vantage point.

Paul’s influence may be underestimated if one only counts his 13 extant works in the New Testament. For the benefit of using a round number, it can be estimated that Paul ministered for 30 years. Also, for the sake of a round number, the churches and individuals to whom he corresponded may be estimated to be 20. Supposing he wrote to each of these entities twice a year, Paul’s total ministerial correspondence would rise from his 13 extant works to an output of 1,200. Paul would likely have been a dynamic figure in person as well. He is portrayed as a vigorous traveler and a gifted debater. Herein lies the influence. Not only is it credible that this influence would have been felt by the gospel writers, it may have been impossible for them to completely isolate themselves from it.

Paul’s base of power had been outside of Judea, in many of the larger Greek speaking cities of the Graeco-Roman world, and this is where his influence resided. It is here where Paul founded his churches, and it is here where his letters would have been received, preserved, and compiled. It is from this matrix that a Gentile believer would compose the first gospel, Mark, around 70 CE, some six years after Paul’s death. Matthew writes his gospel sometime after 80 CE, partially in rebuttal of Mark’s pro-Paul and anti-Mosaic Law themes. Several years after Matthew, Luke pens his two-volume work, the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles (Luke/Acts). As the author details, Luke takes issue with his predecessors on several theological fronts.

The author’s goal is for you to understand the figures of this era better: Peter, the chief Apostle; James, the brother of Jesus; Paul, the new believer; and the writers that have come to be known to history as Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This book expounds on the fascinating interactions between these figures, and how these interactions shaped much of the anthology we now call the New Testament.

Even today, Christian groups can find themselves breaking apart into ideological camps. As with the Early Church, conflicts may be argued in person, resolved by committee, or debated through literary composition. Therefore, nothing within this book should be astonishing, for they are not so different from us.

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Contending with Paul 2: What Paul’s Letters Tell Us About Their Author(s) – And Why We Should Listen
Author(s): William Joseph Cobble
Price: $2.99       (Ends Dec 30)

An Amazon #1 New Release in: “Christian Education,” “Christian Bible History and Culture,”
and “Christian History.”

The Christian New Testament contains twenty-seven works, thirteen of which are letters claiming to be written by Paul. Yet, since the 1800s, critical scholars have adamantly disputed his authorship of six of these. Why? What do the scholars see within the six Disputed Letters that raises such doubt?

In 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3, Paul warns his young congregation not to “become easily unsettled or alarmed” by a “teaching allegedly from us.” Paul says this teaching could take the form of “a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter,” and instructs his congregation: “Let no one deceive you in any way.”

If First Century forgers were circulating letters claiming to be written by Paul, could any of these have found their way into the New Testament? How would we know?

“Contending with Paul 2” examines the journeys of all thirteen of Paul’s letters and the Book of Hebrews. Approaching these letters as historical documents, the author looks through the eyes of the scholars in order to understand what has raised their skepticism about the the six Disputed Letters. Thus begins a detective story which starts by tracking all references to Paul and his letters in the first two centuries of Christianity, as the documents are slowly accepted as scripture, and ends by examining their place in the world today.

The author will delve into Paul’s theology in order to compare and contrast his deepest held doctrines with what is found in each of the New Testament letters that bears his name. The seven Undisputed Letters will also be assessed for any signs of editing or alteration that may have occurred in those centuries when the letters were copied by hand.

In the end, what is uncovered will enrich the reader’s knowledge of all of Paul’s letters, but will provide much to consider regarding the six Disputed Letters and the power they continue to wield.

Simply Jesus

Author(s): Joseph M. Stowell
Publisher: Multmonah
Price: $1.99       (Apr 18 – 24)

Simply Jesus. What would it mean to fix our attention fully on the Person of Christ? To approach Him apart from systems, formulas, religion, and well-meaning Christian culture? To see Jesus Himself? And how would that change us? Moody Bible College President Joseph Stowell ponders these probing questions — showing through dramatic stories and surprising insights how believers can experience significant life-change as they encounter Christ — our model of understanding, love, and courage, today. Simply Jesus identifies experiences that can awaken the realization of our basic need to focus on Him … like temptation, trouble, and surrender. A book intended for both spiritual seekers and Christians who are ready for a fresh, personal encounter with the Savior their heart searches for. Clear, stylish typeset, with user-friendly links to referenced Scripture.

Eat Your Way to Life and Health: Unlock the Power of the Holy Communion

Author(s): Joseph Prince
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Price: $3.99       (May 1 – 31)

Let the holy Communion revolutionize your life and health!

Through engaging Bible-based teaching, Pastor Joseph Prince unpacks a revelation of the Communion that has never been more relevant than right now. Along with showing you why the holy Communion is God’s ordained way to release life, health, and healing to us, Pastor Prince also tackles the tough questions:

Is God punishing me with sickness and disease?
Is it really God’s will to heal me?
Do I qualify for His healing power?
What do I do when I don’t see results?
Can God heal my loved ones?
The enemy wants you to believe that God doesn’t care and that your situation is hopeless. But because of the cross, you can have full assurance in your heart that God wants you healed and whole. Learn how you can access His healing power with just the simple act of eating.

In Eat Your Way to Life and Health, discover a God who loves you so much, His Son paid for your healing on Calvary’s cross.

Be deeply encouraged as you read powerful testimonies from people who have received healing through a revelation of the Communion, despite being told their conditions were terminal or incurable.

Whatever circumstances you are confronted with today, God has a word for you: Don’t give up. There is hope. He has made a way for you!

 

Bible Stories for Courageous Boys & Girls

Bible Stories for Courageous Boys
Author(s): N/A
Publisher: B&H Kids
Price: $3.03      

These men from the Bible show what it means to live courageously.

This vast and colorful cast of biblical characters overcame doubt and fear to do what God asked of them. Featuring animated and lively illustrations with retold stories in clear-cut language, Bible Stories for Courageous Boys will build courageous boys and their faith.

Readers will enjoy 129 stories as well as profiles on these courageous characters:
· Adam
· Noah
· Abraham
· Isaac
· Jacob
· Joseph
· Moses
· Joshua
· Gideon
· Samson
· David
· Elijah
· Daniel
· Joseph
· John the Baptist
· Peter
· Jesus Christ
· Paul

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Bible Stories for Courageous Girls
Author(s): N/A
Publisher: B&H Kids
Price: $3.99      

These women from the Bible show what it means to live courageously.

This vast and colorful cast of biblical characters overcame doubt and fear to do what God asked of them. Featuring animated and lively illustrations with retold stories in clear-cut language, Bible Stories for Courageous Girls will build courageous girls and their faith.

Readers will enjoy 128 stories as well as profiles of these courageous characters:
· Eve
· Noah’s Wife
· Sarah
· Rebekah
· Leah
· Rachel
· Miriam
· Rahab
· Deborah
· Ruth
· Naomi
· Hannah
· Abigail
· Esther
· Mary the Mother of Jesus
· Elizabeth
· Mary & Martha
· Mary Magdalene

Contending with Paul (Books 1 & 2) – Nov 16/24

Contending with Paul: The Hidden Story Behind the Writing of Matthew, Mark, and Luke
Author(s): William Joseph Cobble
Publisher: N/A
Price: $4.99      

Top 10 International Best Seller Rankings:

#1 in “Biographies of Judaism” (United Kingdom, June 2024)
#2 in “Christian History” (United States, August 2024)
#5 in “Christian History” (Australia, September 2024)
#9 in “Theology” (Canada, August 2024)

Using a blend of history, theology, biography, and literary criticism, Contending with Paul focuses primarily on the first two generations of the Christian movement. It is the first generation who would initially debate how the message of Jesus should be presented to the Gentile world (non-Jews) and what would be expected of those Gentiles who desired to follow Jesus. It is the second generation of believers who began to write in a new literary genre that Christians call “gospels.” The Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Mark, and the Gospel of Luke, are the earliest three to have survived, and it is through these writings that the debates of the first generation get carried forward by the second. Though all three gospels were written after the death of Paul, it is asserted by the author that each gospel writer contended with his continuing influence in some way, though each from their own distinctive vantage point.

Paul’s influence may be underestimated if one only counts his 13 extant works in the New Testament. For the benefit of using a round number, it can be estimated that Paul ministered for 30 years. Also, for the sake of a round number, the churches and individuals to whom he corresponded may be estimated to be 20. Supposing he wrote to each of these entities twice a year, Paul’s total ministerial correspondence would rise from his 13 extant works to an output of 1,200. Paul would likely have been a dynamic figure in person as well. He is portrayed as a vigorous traveler and a gifted debater. Herein lies the influence. Not only is it credible that this influence would have been felt by the gospel writers, it may have been impossible for them to completely isolate themselves from it.

---

Contending with Paul 2: What Paul’s Letters Tell Us About Their Author(s) – And Why We Should Listen
Author(s): William Joseph Cobble
Publisher: N/A
Price: $2.99      

An Amazon #1 New Release in: “Christian Education,” “Christian Bible History and Culture,”
and “Christian History.”

The Christian New Testament contains twenty-seven works, thirteen of which are letters claiming to be written by Paul. Yet, since the 1800s, critical scholars have adamantly disputed his authorship of six of these. Why?

In 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3, Paul warns of a counterfeit letter “allegedly from us,” and instructs his congregation: “Let no one deceive you in any way.”
If First Century forgers were circulating letters claiming to be written by Paul, could any of these have found their way into the New Testament? How would we know?
Do Paul’s seven Undisputed Letters reveal any signs of editing or alteration?

“Contending with Paul 2” examines the journeys of all thirteen of Paul’s letters and the Book of Hebrews. Approaching these letters as historical documents, the author looks through the eyes of the scholars in order to understand what they see.

What is found will enrich the reader’s knowledge of all of Paul’s letters. It will also provide much to consider regarding the six Disputed Letters and the power they continue to wield.