Baker Books

For a solid, orthodox commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians, this is a good choice. Michael W. Holmes wrote just before Y2K (1998) so eschatology was a hot topic then and is, I believe, a major challenge for the church today. I read this commentary almost non-stop cover to cover.

Eschatology plays a big role in Christian theology because knowing the end of the story--Christ wins out over Satan--provides hope and purpose for the church. Neglecting eschatology--as we seem to be doing--destroys hope and leads the church to flounder. Happily, Holmes remains true to the faith and hope that we have in Christ.

Holmes analyses these letters in the context of scripture, especially Paul's other letters, both NT and OT. He is sensitive to Paul's word choices in the Greek and basic literary genre. He draws out the major themes in Paul's writing well and is extremely well read.

I found at least two points of special interest in reading this commentary.

The first point of interest is theological. Holmes interprets Paul's eschatology in view of his larger purpose, to encourage the church at Thessalonica, and in view of the wider experience of the NT. In the NT, we are generally taught that life will include trials and tribulations. For Holmes, the end times are no different. Quoting Hebrews 11, Holmes notes that the great saints of the Bible frequently did not experience the hope that guided their faith during their own lifetimes (p. 250). The order of events in the Day of the Lord is rebellion, appearance of the man of lawlessness, and the parousia (p. 238). In other words, we will not be raptured out of tribulations. Christian discipleship takes time and it includes trials.

The second point is expository. Holmes frequently notes a list of attributes in the text and then turns the list into questions to apply in our current context. This sounds simple, but it is enormously practical. Many commentators have trouble relating the Bible to everyday life. Holmes' matter-of-fact, down-in-weeds analysis of the text and development of applications is most helpful.

The NIV Application Commentary has been my default commentary over the past four years because the series takes the narrative of scripture seriously. Once I am acquainted with orthodox interpretation, I can judge a book from other dimensions. I have taught from the series the Books of Romans, Luke, and Genesis; I read Revelations, John, Esther, James, and, most recently, Hebrews. This line of thinking led me to start my study of Thessalonians with Holmes' commentary.

Holmes received his Phd from Princeton Theological Seminary, but apparently earned his masters of divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). He taught at Bethel College at the time of writing this commentary.

Dr. Stephen W. Hiemstra

It is simply wonderous for pastors to use in their sermons, it is excellent source for giving illustrations. DL Moody was one of greatest revival mover in America Religious history. It is more fitting that pastors use the treasury of a great evangelist. It shall aid you in your sermon greatly. I used it in my sermons and the audience enjoyed the illustrations greatly. It is a must for pastors, buy one for your pastors!!

If you want a relationship with Jesus Christ that compares with no other, then read this book. Charles Spurgeon's encouragement to be fully committed explodes in your face as you read page after page of this wonderful collection of sermons!

A very moving book covering the last few hours of Christ's life, his death and resurrection. Spurgeon writes boldly and with such amazing clarity, that this book is not only an enormous encouragement for Christians to fix their eyes on what Christ has done for us, but also for non-Christians (perhaps those who are used to reading Classic literature / who won't be put off by slightly old-fashioned truns of phrase) to understand the Christian message. It brings the message of the cross home with enormous power.

I found this book very useful for researchers in this field. it has rich information about cluster computing.

The many quotes that were arranged and can be found in this book are excellent for use in your daily walk and for much instruction in the Lord. I found these to be quite useful in understanding certain topics found in the Bible, and sometimes found Spurgeon's quotes to be quite humorous. If there is any quotation book to get, this is a must have!

This book has a lot of ideas for games that you can use or change to meet your needs. It is for all ages. It contains word games containing information from the Bible.

I played this game frequently when I was a teen-ager. I loved Sherlock Holmes stories as a kid and this game is a perfect extension. The game encourages reading and listening skills. A short mystery is read aloud at the beginning of the game and players visit different parts of the board game collecting new pieces of information. The first person to correctly solve the mystery wins. The only downside of the game is after you've read all of the mysteries, there may not be any refill packs available to refresh the game for continued playing.

The author of this book, Larry McCabe, is re-releasing books that have gone out of print for one reason or another. This particular book is an old friend. After I received it, I went into my library and found a copy. It has been in print in one form or another for 25 years. Most instruction books don't last anywhere near that long. First, this book (as the author warns) is not for beginners. You need to be familiar with the movable blues scales we all use. If you are playing out, and feel comfortable with the whole neck, get this book. The style of lead is closer to Gatemouth Brown and Freddie King than anyone else. If you don't know who these men are, buy their CDs. You are in for a treat. Please read the author's introduction. There is a lot of good info there. The Tab system is the older style. It should take about 30 seconds to adjust. It's actually easier to read than the current form. If you consider yourself a Rock guitarist instead of Blues, you really could use this book. If you use these solos as a "how to", instead of just memorizing them, they will give you some new weapons. You know, for scaring the heck out of other guitarists.

Harris, a respected New Testament scholar, looks at three questions about Jesus.

1. Did Jesus exist?
2. Did Jesus claim to be God?
3. Did Jesus rise from the dead?

Few today worry about question #1, but since some make the case he did not exist (such as Michael Martin in "The Case Against Christianity"), the material is pertinent and telling. Extra-biblical sources confirm the existence of Jesus, let along the New Testament materials (which are very well attested in their own right).

Harris marshalls an impressive case that Jesus claimed to be God, both directly and indirectly. For a more scholarly defense see Harris's, "Jesus as God."

The chapter on the resurrection of Jesus takes the form of a dialogue, and may not be quite as effective as straightword prose. Nevertheless, the case is strong and solid once again.

This is an excellent book for Christians who want to sure up their faith against attack and doubts--and all Christians should be so concerned! It also makes for a winning apologetic book to give interested in unbelievers who wonder who Jesus was and is.

Douglas Groothuis