Book Reviews—7/12/10

Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament: Colossians and Philemon, Murray J. Harris, 2010, B&H Publishing, Nashville, Tenn., ISBN 9780805448498, 272 pages, $24.99, softcover.

This very serious commentary and textual analysis is not for the average Bible reader, but is of immense value to pastors and theologians seeking to better understand and apply the Greek text of these two Pauline epistles to those whom they serve. This represents an early installment of the developing series (also edited by Harris), Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament.

Introducing the New Testament: A Short Guide to Its History and Message, D.A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo, 2010, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Mich., ISBN 9780310291497, 163 pages, $12.99, softcover.

In the reissue of this classic handbook (edited by Andrew David Naselli), Carson and Moo break down each section (gospels, epistles, etc.) and each book of the New Testament and discuss the authorship, historical context, and purpose of these Scriptures to enable readers to better interpret and apply God’s Word. A handy reference that any believer should find useful for reading and understanding the Bible.

The Jesus Manifesto: Restoring the Supremacy and Sovereignty of Jesus Christ, Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tenn., ISBN 9780849946011, 201 pages, $14.99, hardcover.

Sweet and Viola undertake to lead the Church back to its core: the person of Jesus Christ. Though its “third way” approach leads the authors to pursue a few false dichotomies and make a few generalizations, The Jesus Manifesto is to be praised for refocusing the Church’s attention on Christ, both as our redeemer and eternal hope and as our example for obedient life before God.

The Letter to the Hebrews, Peter T. O’Brien, 2010, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Mich., ISBN 9780802837295, 629 pages, $50.00, hardcover.

Part of the Pillar New Testament Commentary series (D.A. Carson, general editor), O’Brien’s hefty exegesis of Hebrews is a thorough but readable addition to the pastor’s library of Bible study resources. O’Brien gives the text preeminence, and faithfully exposits the truths of this profound book of Scripture in an understandable way.

The Lord’s Prayer: Insight and Inspiration to Draw You Closer to Him, R.T. Kendall, 2010, Chosen Books, Grand Rapids, Mich., ISBN 9780800794897, 208  pages, $13.99, softcover.

Kendall, a protégé of Martyn Lloyd-Jones who served as senior minister of Westminster Chapel in London for 25 years, has written an exegesis of the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13) with an eye towards its impact on the prayer lives of believers. He breaks down each phrase and petition contained in the prayer and seeks to apply its principles to individuals’ walks with God.

The Wisdom of Pixar: An Animated Look at Virtue, Robert Velarde, 2010, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Ill., ISBN 9780830832972, 168 pages, $15.00, softcover.

A lighthearted look at the Christian values and practices reflected in the films of Pixar Animation Studios (the book is an observation, and is not officially sanctioned by Pixar). Designed as a small group or family discussion piece, Velarde’s book reminds us that a Christian worldview can show through in God-given creativity in such a way that the whole culture is affected.

Zondervan Atlas of the Bible: Revised Edition, Carl G. Rasmussen, 2010, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Mich., ISBN 9780310270508, 304 pages, $39.99, hardcover.

A reissue of a very useful resource, Zondervan’s 2010 Bible Atlas incorporates new archaeological discoveries, updated photographs, and charts and graphs that vividly illuminate the geographical, political, cultural, and historical contexts in which Scripture was originally written. This is a wonderful resource for pastors and teachers, and would even make a great coffee-table book.