ivp book club digest - dec. 21, 2015

8/20/2019 IVP Book Club Digest - Dec. 21, 2015

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D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 1 5

IN THIS ISSUE ▷IS AMERICA REALLY A CITY ON A HILL?

▷PREACHING THAT CROSSES CULTURAL BOUNDARIES

▷ A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION WORTH KEEPING ▷THE OLD TESTAMENT FOR DAILY LIFE

Don’t They?



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2 I V P B O O K C L U B . C O M

THE REAL JESUS WILL SURPRISE YOU

The Jesus everybody likes, says Mark Strauss, is

not the Jesus found in the Gospels. We overlook

that Jesus was

• Judgmental—preaching hellfire far more

than the apostle Paul

• Uncompromising—telling people to hate

their families

• Chauvinistic—excluding women from

leadership

• Racist—insulting people from other ethnic

groups

• Anti-environmental—cursing a fig tree and

affirming animal sacrifice

• Angry—overturning tables and chasing

money-changers in the temple

Strauss believes that when we unpack the

puzzling paradoxes of the man from Galilee, we

find more insight into his countercultural message

and mission than we could ever have imagined.

223 pages, paperback, 2466, $16.00

CLUB PRICE: $11.20This book will ship automatically unless

you reply by December 21, 2015.

Mark L. Strauss (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New

Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego. He is the author of severalbooks including How to Read the Bible in Changing Times and The Essential

Bible Companion (with John Walton). He is also vice-chair of the NIV

translation committee and an associate editor for the NIV Study Bible.



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M A I N S E L E C T I O N

1-800-843-9487

“Mark Strauss provides a wonderful account of Jesus

full of wit and wisdom that shows that the meek and

mild Jesus is Sunday school fiction. . . . Reading this

book could be like meeting Jesus for the first time.”

—Michael F. Bird, Ridley College,

Melbourne, Australia

“We have rehabilitated Jesus so much today that we

can’t imagine how anyone wouldn’t admire Jesus.

How could anyone hate this lovable guy enough to

scream, ‘Crucify him!’? . . . Anyone wanting to

understand Jesus better, whether in a classroom or

Bible study, should read this book.”

—E. Randolph Richards Palm Beach

Atlantic University

“ Jesus Behaving Badly engages the hard ‘sayings’

and ‘doings’ of Jesus, not by merely explaining them

away, but by representing a fullness of Jesus in the

three dimensions of a real historical figure and in the

fourfold portrayal of the Gospels. If the aim of this

book is to reckon with the whole Jesus and not a mere

caricature, Strauss has accomplished this with sense

and wit.”

—Nijay K. Gupta, George FoxEvangelical Seminary

EXCERPT

Yes, almost everyone likes Jesus—at least the

particular version they choose to believe in.

This is the kind and gentle Jesus. The Mr.

Rogers lookalike who shows up on Sunday

school f lannelgraphs laughing and smiling

with children on his lap and a twinkle in his

eye. This is the “love your enemies” Jesus

who always turns the other cheek. This is

the good shepherd Jesus, striding confidently

back to the flock with the little lost lamb

contentedly draped across his shoulders.

Yet the New Testament itself paints a darker

and more complex picture of Jesus. After

all, how could the Mr. Rogers Jesus make

more enemies than friends over the course

of his life? How could he stir up the whole

religious establishment to conclude that he

was dangerous and must be eliminated? How

could he have gotten himself arrested by the

Roman authorities and executed in perhaps

the most inhumane manner ever devised?

RELATED TITLE:

GOD BEHAVING BADLYDavid T. Lamb 205 pages, paperback,3826, $17.00CLUB PRICE: $11.90

PRAISE FOR JESUS BEHAVING BADLY



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MAPPING HOLY GROUND

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Ever since John Winthrop told his fellow colonists

in 1630 that they were about to establish a City

upon a Hill, the idea of having a special place in

history has captured the American imagination.

In this remarkable book, John Wilsey traces the

historical development of exceptionalism, includ-

ing its theological meaning and implications for

civil religion. From seventeenth-century Puritans

to twentieth-century industrialists, from politicians

to educators, exceptionalism does not appear as a

monolithic concept to be either totally rejected or

devotedly embraced. While it can lead to abuses, it

can also point to constructive civil engagement and

human flourishing. This book considers histori-

cally and theologically what makes the difference.

American exceptionalism is not going away. John

Wilsey’s careful history and analysis will thereforeprove an important touchstone for discussions of

American identity in the decades to come.

263 pages, paperback, 4094, $22.00

CLUB PRICE: $15.40This book will ship automatically unless

you reply by December 21, 2015.

PATRIOTISM WITHOUT IDOLATRY

“John Wilsey takes the concept of American exceptionalism—a cultural lightning

rod if ever there was one—and helps us to think deeply about it. Both historian and

theologian, Wilsey’s larger goal is to help American Christians think historically andChristianly about our national identity. . . . Any thinking Christian who aspires

to patriotism without idolatry would benefit from reading this fine work.”

— Robert Tracy McKenzie , Wheaton College



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M A I N S E L E C T I O N

1-800-843-9487

I come from a family steeped in military tradition. On both sides, my parents, grandparents and great-

grandparents served their country at home and abroad. I was raised to love America and its traditions,

and to be grateful for the sacrifices made by those who protect it. Still, America is not perfect.

This book was largely born out of the anxious tension between love for country and acknowledgment

of its failures. Some of those failures occurred long ago. Many of those failures have repercussions that

remain unaddressed. And knowing that some of my ancestors were slave owners reminds me that I have

a familial connection to America’s “original sin.” That is a sobering thought.

This book explores answers to the question of how I, as a confessing Christian, should live as a citizen

of the city of God while sojourning in the city of man. How do I fulfill the spirit of Jeremiah 29:7,

to “seek the welfare of the city . . . and pray on its behalf”? As a Christian, I seek to live as a faithful

American citizen. But I also recognize that as a Christian, I must sometimes speak a prophetic word.

My goal was neither to wrap myself in Old Glory, nor to offer a tirade against America. Rather, I want

to consider exceptionalism from historical and theological perspectives, and try to sift the precious from

the worthless within this often ambiguous, loaded concept. I hope this kind of consideration can lead

the way toward a just model of Christian civic engagement.

John D. Wilsey (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is

assistant professor of history and Christian apologetics at Southwestern

Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves as associate director and

senior research fellow for faith and liberty at the Land Center for CulturalEngagement at Southwestern. He is the author of One Nation Under God: An

Evangelical Critique of Christian America .

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR



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N E W A L T E R N A T E S

I V P B O O K C L U B . C O M6

CROSSOVER PREACHINGJared E. Alcántara

In our increasingly pluralistic and multicultural society, there is aneed for preaching that is capable of crossing cultural boundariesand engaging multiple contexts. Jared Alcántara’s exciting new workproposes an intercultural and improvisational account of preaching inconversation with the legacy of Gardner C. Taylor.

336 PAGES, PAPERBACK, 3908, $35.00

CLUB PRICE: $24.50EBOOK AVAILABLE

FACING “THE TALK”Wendy Elizabeth Chapin

What are we teaching our daughters about sex? Professor ElizabethChapin inspires you to have open conversations about sex that will pre-pare your girls to make healthy, wise and informed choices. Give themmore than a set of rules about sex—offer them an alternative imagina-tion that reframes what Western media culture defines sex to be.



MODERN ORTHODOX THINKERSAndrew Louth

Andrew Louth introduces us to twenty Orthodox thinkers fromthe last two centuries. The poets and thinkers included rangefrom Romania, Serbia, Greece, England and France, as well asexiles from Communist Russia. The book concludes with an illu-

minating chapter on Metropolitan Kallistos and the theologicalvision of the Philokalia .



PARTNERS IN CHRISTJohn G. Stackhouse, Jr.

When it comes to understanding what Scripture says about men and

women, those on both sides of the debate marshal strong evidence fromthe Bible. Does the Bible contradict itself then? Not so. John Stackhousedescribes the single approach in Scripture that guides us with cleardirection and moves us beyond the impasse in this important debate.





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N E W A L T E R N A T E S

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REFORMATION READINGS OF PAULEdited by Michael Allen and Jonathan A. Linebaugh

In light of recent interest in whether the Protestant Reformers inter-preted Paul correctly, this edited volume enables a more careful read-ing of the Reformers themselves. Each chapter pairs a Reformer witha Pauline text and brings together historical theologians and biblicalscholars to examine these Reformation-era readings of Paul’s letters.



THE CHURCHDavid Zac Niringiye

From his roots in Africa, Niringiye takes us on the journey of a pil-grim people, helping us to appreciate what the church is at all timesand in all places. This introduction provides a biblical theology thattells the story of the people and promise of God through Moses, of thekingdom of God in Christ, and work of his people by the Holy Spirit.



THE GOSPEL AND PLURALISM TODAYMissiological Engagements

Edited by Scott W. Sunquist and Amos Yong

This collection of essays explores the legacy of Lesslie Newbigin’s clas-sic work, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society, critically analyzing the nature ofWestern pluralism and discussing the influence of Newbigin’s work on

the field of missiology in the twenty-first century.240 PAGES, PAPERBACK, 5094, $28.00


SAME-SEX ATTRACTION AND THE CHURCHEd Shaw

When Christians have same-sex attraction, how should the churchrespond? Pastor Ed Shaw experiences same-sex attraction, yet he is

committed to Scripture and the church’s traditional teachings on sexualethics. In this honest book, he shares his own experiences and shows usthat obedience to Jesus is ultimately the only way to experience life tothe full.






DEVOTIONAL READING

These year-long devotionals prompt

meaningful reflection for your quiet time.

HEARING GODTHROUGH THEYEAR

Dallas Willard

Being close to Godmeans telling him what

is on our hearts andunderstanding what heis saying to us. But howdo we hear God? Inthis 365-day devotionalDallas Willard helps usunderstand how we canknow the voice of Godand act on it, with dailyScripture readings and

suggestions for prayer,journaling and reflec-tion to draw you intoGod’s presence.

327 PAGES,PAPERBACK, 4616,$16.00


SPIRITUALDISCIPLINESDEVOTIONAL

Valerie E. Hess

Have you been long-ing to learn more about

spiritual disciplines buthaven’t known whereto start? Focusing on adifferent core spiritualdiscipline each month,this year-long devotionalincludes brief daily read-ings to help you developholy habits. Once-a-weekfamily activities are also

included to interactivelyteach children aboutspiritual disciplines.


CLUB PRICE: $11.90

QUIET TIMEBIBLE GUIDE

Edited byCindy Bunch

Discover the riches ofScripture! Based on

the groundbreakingLifeGuide Bible Studiesseries and edited byCindy Bunch, this dailydevotional guide takesyou through a year inthe New Testament andPsalms, engaging theScriptures inductively andestablishing a connection

with God to carry youthrough the day.


CLUB PRICE: $14.00

DEEP-ROOTEDIN CHRIST

Joshua ChoonminKang, Foreword byRichard J. Foster

With fifty-two brief

readings ideal for weeklyreflection, this devotion-al from pastor JoshuaChoonmin Kang invitesyou to walk slowly, pay-ing attention to God’swork in you and aroundyou; to walk intentionally,using spiritual disciplinesto develop Christlike

character; to walk pur- posefully, experiencingdeeper grace and vision.





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NEW YEAR, NEW RESOLUTIONS

Dedicate yourself to developing spiritual

disciplines and see what a difference it makes.

CRAFTING A RULEOF LIFE

Stephen A. Macchia

Foreword by MarkBuchanan

In this practical workbookStephen A. Macchia looks toSaint Benedict as a guide fordiscovering your rule of life.It takes time and effort; youmust listen to God and discernwhat he wants you to be and dofor his glory. But through the

disciplines of Scripture, prayerand reflection with a smallgroup, you will journey towardChristlikeness.



SACRED RHYTHMS

Ruth Haley Barton

Picking up on the monastic

tradition of creating a rule oflife that allows regular spacefor the practice of spiritualdisciplines, Ruth Haley Bartontakes you more deeply intounderstanding seven key spiritualdisciplines along with practicalideas for weaving them intoeveryday life. Each chapterincludes exercises to help you

begin the practices—individuallyand in a group context.

192 PAGES,HARDCOVER, 3333,$18.00


SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINESCOMPANION

Jan Johnson

Discover what it means to livein the grace and light of God’stransforming presence. Spiritualdisciplines connect us to the Godwho wants to transform our souls.These companion studies andexercises, perfect for individualsor groups, provide a unique mixof inductive Bible study, guidedmeditation and transformational

exercises spanning all the styles oflearning.





OLD TESTAMENT

Bring the wisdom of the First Testament

into your daily life with these titles.


OLD TESTAMENTETHICS FOR THEPEOPLE OF GOD

Christopher J. H.Wright

Nothing confuses

Christian ethics quitelike the Old Testament.Christopher Wrightexamines a theological,social and economicframework for OldTestament ethics. Thenhe explores a varietyof themes in relationto contemporary issues

including economics, theland, the poor, politics,law and justice, and com-munity.



OLD TESTAMENTCHARACTERS

LifeGuide® BibleStudies

Peter Scazzero

Abraham is an unfor-

gettable portrait offaith. Daniel is a classicexample of holiness.And through her willing-ness to risk her own life,Esther shows us whatcommitment means.This 12-session studyintroduces you to twelveremarkable people whose

stories can help you learnto live well even today.



OLD TESTAMENTWISDOMLITERATURE

Craig G.Bartholomew &Ryan P. O’Dowd

Old Testament Wisdom Literature provides an informedintroduction to the OldTestament wisdom booksProverbs, Ecclesiastes and

Job. Establishing the booksin the context of ancientNear Eastern wisdomtraditions and literature,the authors move beyond

the typical introductions todiscuss the theological andhermeneutical implicationsof this literature.

336 PAGES,CASEBOUND, 3896,$30.00


PRAYERS OF THEOLD TESTAMENT


Lynne M. Baab

Can I be honest with God

when I pray? If we lookat the Old Testament, theanswer is surely yes. Fromthe exuberant praise ofMoses and Miriam to thedesperate cries of Jeremiah,the First Testament is richwith heartfelt prayers to ourFather. These eight studies,based on prayers from seven

Old Testament books, inviteyou to meet our mighty,loving God in fresh ways.





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NEW TESTAMENT

Gain a fresh understanding of the New

Testament’s message and key figures.

THE MAKINGOF THE NEWTESTAMENT(SECOND EDITION)

Arthur G. Patzia

This revised and

expanded edition ofThe Making of the NewTestament is a fascinat-ingly detailed intro-duction to the origin,collection, copying andcanonizing of the NewTestament documents.Here Arthur Patziaexplains how biblicalscholars have studied thetrail of clues and piecedtogether the story ofthese books.

ii + 302 PAGES,PAPERBACK, 2721,$28.00

CLUB PRICE: $19.60

WOMEN OF THENEW TESTAMENT


Phyllis J. Le Peau

As Phyllis J. Le Peau

introduces twelve signifi-cant women of the NewTestament, she invites youto enter into their livesand learn from them whatit means to be a discipleof Jesus. This revised10-session study featuresadditional questions forgroup discussion and per-sonal reflection, togetherwith expanded leader’snotes and a “Now orLater” section.



THE TWELVEDISCIPLES


Douglas Connelly

Jesus had about three

years to mold a dozenfearful, faithless men intothe pillars of a world-wide movement. Despitethis brief window, timein Jesus’ presence had atransforming effect oneach of them, and theywould be changed by

Jesus’ power. These tenstudies of Jesus’ firstfollowers will transformyou too.



IMAGES OFSALVATION IN THENEW TESTAMENT

Brenda B. Colijn

What does salvation looklike in the New Testament

look like? Students of theNew Testament and oftheology will both findtheir vision broadened andtheir understanding deep-ened by this rich, informa-tive study. As the authorseeks to understand theirimplications for peopleof faith, she uncovers how

New Testament imagesprovide the buildingblocks of the master storyof redemption.


CLUB PRICE: $17.50



N E X T M O N T H

Keith L. Johnson presents an engaging new look at the

discipline of theology, and Adam S. McHugh shows

h li t i i f lif

PRAY ER FOR HE AR T & M I ND

A GUIDEBOOK TOPRAYER

MaryKate Morse, Forewordby Joshua Choonmin Kang

251 PAGES, PAPERBACK,3578, $20.00


KNEELING WITH GIANTS

Gary Neal Hansen



LIVING THE LORD’SPRAYER

Albert Haase, O.F.M.



PROVIDENCE & PRAYER

Terrance Tiessen



PRAYER AND THEKNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Graeme Goldsworthy

220 PAGES, PAPERBACK,

5366, $24.00CLUB PRICE: $16.80

THE MESSAGE OFPRAYER

The Bible Speaks TodayBible Themes Series

Timothy Chester 272 PAGES, PAPERBACK,2408, $20.00

CLUB PRICE: $14.00

THERE’S NO BETTER TIME THAN THE PRESENT T O FOCUS ON INTIMACY WITH GOD THROUGH PRAYER.

ivp book club digest - dec. 21, 2015

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