New Book Review: The Wonder of the Word

The Wonder of the Word is the second book in the Kingdom Pastor's Library authored by Dr. Tony Evans (father of authors Priscilla Shirer and Chrystal Hurst Evans as well as singer Johnathan Evans).

So the purpose of the Kingdom Pastor's Library is to put carefully written resources in place for pastor's who cannot quite afford to go to a seminary school for formal biblical training. The goal is to give sound resources and information and knowledge to those of us who cannot afford seminary. 

And that is why I could not wait to review this book because as a stay-at-home mom, my family lives on one income so going to seminary is not in the cards for me in the foreseeable future. But being able to read the vast knowledge available from sound theologians and pastors is much more affordable and allows me to learn on my time as my schedule permits.

So, my first reaction: Dr. Tony did NOT disappoint.

As you can see from the above table of contents, Dr. Tony Evans starts with the authority of Scripture helping the reader to understand that the Scripture has great authority as divinely inspired by God. Not only that but it is inerrant, meaning without error. Then the second chapter is on the sufficiency of Scripture, meaning that Scripture is sufficient for us in all seasons. No part of Scripture is insufficient or lacking. It is good in every season of life and therefore all of it is worth preaching and teaching. The third chapter is on canonicity which is how the books of the bible were chosen and set as the Bible as we know it. This is one of the best chapters because as many believers know there are many who seek to undermine the Bible by stating that there was ungodly bias in choosing which books made it into the Bible. But Dr. Tony Evans helps the reader to understand and be assured of the canon of the Bible. Some books lacked doctrinal consistency, in which all books of the bible are consistent and all support each other rather than contradict each other. 

The New Testament books were chosen based on the fact they were written by eyewitness apostles or those within the circle of the apostles (like Luke and James & Jude, brothers of Jesus), they also had to retain the consistency of the rest of the books written. All of the epistles regardless of the writer has a certain level of consistency where they can be referred to each other for greater understanding. For example, you can look to Peter's letters to understand something Paul wrote, and you can look to the Old Testament to further understand what is written in Hebrews Now mind you this was not even chosen during their lifetimes, as Scripture during their lifetimes would have been the Old Testament, the books of law, the books of the prophets, the books of poetry, and the books of history, which had already been gathered as Scripture. 

Then we come to the fourth chapter Transmission which is transmitting the message, preaching and teaching. Dr Evans covers four concepts involved in studying and preparing to teach Scripture: Revelation, Inspiration, Illumination, and Reception. Revelation is that part of the bible study where the Holy Spirit literally reveals God's heart in what you are studying.  Inspiration in this sense is the same in which books of the bible were written. Inspired by God, meaning that we allow God to guide our writing. Illumination is to be enlightened, as pg 90 puts it: "it is the work of the Holy Spirit that allows us to understand, experience, and apply the truth of God to our lives." Now Reception got its own chapter based on the fact that when we've studied God's word and we've gained an understanding of its truth, we're now in a position to receive Scripture and apply it to our own lives BEFORE we even preach or teach it. We can't preach or teach anything until we have come into submission to it. The Word of God sanctifies you and promotes intimacy with Christ, a personal relationship with Jesus. Then, the last chapter is Application which helps the reader to understand how personal application then needs to relate to the congregation and encourages them to not only study for themselves but to actually apply what they learn in their own lives. 

When the Bible says to study to show thyself approved (2Timothy 2:15) its more than just studying God's Word but to show thyself approved is to apply that studying to your life and when you consistently apply, then you've shown yourself approved because you're living what you're preaching. 

And so my rating: TWO thumbs up for this book. It's not too long a read but it packs a great punch and it definitely worth reading for anyone wanting greater confidence of Scripture and the due diligence in not only gaining confidence in Scripture but what's necessary ethically to teach Scripture.

{FYI: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my HONEST opinion.}

A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament

This one of the most massive undertakings on reviewing a book that I've done. The closest I've come was the Inductive Bible Study textbook I reviewed two years ago.

First the surface, this book is over 600 pages and has a large contributory team to give us a comprehensive overview and introduction to the New Testament of the Bible. There are also additional articles on the New Testament in the appendixes to the book (authored by the contributors of course). And thankfully there is an abbreviation guide at the beginning of the book to help forgetful folk like myself. 

Another thing to note is that this overview of the New Testament is written from a reformed theology approach, as all of the contributors are either current or past professors at Reformed Theological Seminary. Beliefs of Reformed: 

• Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone): the Bible alone is the highest authority. 
•  Sola Fide (faith alone): faith is the sole instrument of our justification. 
• Sola Gratia (grace alone): we are saved by the grace of God alone, not by works. 
• Solus Christus (Christ alone): Christ is the only Mediator between God and man. 
• Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone): all of life is lived for the glory of God alone.

Biblical theology is considered biblical because it focuses on "its principle of organizing the Biblical material is historical rather than logical", as stated in the introduction.

Each chapter is focused on a specific book of the Bible, with the chapters flowing in the same order of the Bible from Matthew to Revelation. So in each chapter, we get an introduction and extensive background & context information on the book:

• author
• audience
• the date it was written
• the purpose of the book,
• a structured outline of the book
• an overview of the book (a quick breakdown of the book almost like a commentary)
• The authors also cover the message and theology presented in each book of the New Testament
• Each author also presents their bibliography which presents the reader with the chance for further study.

So my personal take on this book is that while it is not exhaustive, it is quite comprehensive and provides a solid foundation to build upon during study. I like this book as a great study companion especially when it comes to getting the context correct. Inaccurate context and understanding can lead to inappropriate messages and application.

{FYI: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.}