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The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer by Andrew Naselli

2/4/2021

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The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer
by Andrew David Naselli
​
Biblical Theology has for some time been kept within the academic field and away from the average Joe.  Short Studies in Biblical Theology is a series put out by Crossway Publishing that puts out an effort to bring the discipline of Biblical Theology to the pew rather than leaving it at the lectern.  I have currently read five of the eleven volumes in Crossway’s series and Naselli’s volume has been the most helpful and enjoyable thus far.  
 
First, Naselli is an excellent writer and is a joy to read.  Never once did I tire or think “I’ve got the point, move on.”  A large amount of material was covered in a small space while still providing a thorough introduction to the subject.  
 
In the Introduction, Naselli provides a catchphrase that nicely summarize the scope of the book and a major biblical theme when he writes “Kill the Dragon, get the girl!” Chapter one develops the theme by demonstrating snakes and dragons are both subcategories of Serpents and should be viewed as two sides of the same coin (the Appendix provides a brief discussion of sixteen terms translated snakes, dragons, and serpents), and that serpents either deceive or devour.  
 
Chapters 2 and 3 take the structural framework of chapter one and proceed to examine the theme of the Serpent and Serpent Slayer within the bookends of the bible as well as the prominence everywhere in between.  Due to the size and audience of the book the discussion is kept simple, yet it still informs.  
 
Chapter 4 (my favorite) develops the Serpent theme within the Book of Revelation.  The chapter serves as an introduction to Revelation at large, identifies many of the recursive themes, and provides the reader with hope of making sense of the overall thrust of John’s message.  Naselli distinguishes between thirteen different traits of the Serpent in Revelation, and celebrates in the triumph of the Lamb.
 
The final chapter supplies six points of application that bring the message of the book to bear upon the daily life of the reader.  Again, Naselli’s desire to speak to the laymen rather than the academy is evidenced and appreciated in this chapter.
 
On the whole, The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer is enjoyable, stimulating, and provocative.  Not only is a major them highlighted and brought to bear upon the overarching scope of the Bible, but along the way the reader learns helpful interpretive rules that provide the keys to complex narratives. 
 
There were a few minor points of disagreement along the way, but overall much more chicken than bones.  I will share two particular points of disagreement, one minor and one major, that I hope will aid future readers.  
 
First, on page 36, Naselli draws a chart that parallels Genesis 3:6, Luke 4:1-13, and 1 John 2:16 and then tentatively states, “I am not certain that the three phrases in 1 John 2:16 line up exactly with Genesis 3:16 and Luke 4 or that John has these parallels in mind. But the three phrases in 1 John 2:16 seem to line up at least roughly with Genesis 3:6 and Luke 4, so the parallel seems legitimate.”   Though you might could argue that John 2:16 has some parallels with Genesis 3:16, but believe Luke 4 stands outside the scope of the parallel.  When Jesus was tempted to throw himself from the pentacle of the temple, what was at stake was not the “pride of life” but rather the tempting of God.  This may seem like a minor thing, and maybe it is, but I feel it needs to be noted.  
 
Secondly, and more importantly, in chapter 4 (pages 119-120), Naselli introduces three broad theological perspectives on Revelation: Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, and Amillennialism. The threefold categorization is overly simplistic and becomes problematic in what follows.  Naselli recounts how he used to hold the Premillennial view, but has lately sided more along the lines of the Amillennial and concludes by stating, “But you millennial view isn’t that important.”  In footnote 16 he goes on to state, “The professors and pastors with whom I serve hold variations of all three views, and we get along just fine! Using the model of theological triage, one’s millennial view should not be a cardinal doctrine (i.e., a teaching that is most central and essential to Christianity - what is “of first importance” [1 Cor. 15:3]) or a denominational distinctive (i.e., an important teaching that is a disputable matter.”  The problem with Naselli’s assessment is twofold: First, by failing to distinguish between the divergent views of Premillennialism, the reader is left with the impression that it does not matter if one holds to Dispensational Premillennialism or not.  I strongly disagree.  It does matter if one views the church as the afterthought of Christ, that Jesus failed in His earthly mission, and that ethnic Jews are still the people of God (not the church).  Such a view of the church and mission of Christ is heretical and must be rejected.  Second, in an attempt to breed unity on a divisive issue, Naselli has deemed eschatological viewpoints as “non-essential” to Christianity.  If they are not “essential” why did God include matters of eschatology in the Bible?  Furthermore, how are we to determine which doctrines are “essential” and which are not?  When man begins to limit doctrines to categories of “essential” or “non-essential” true biblical unity is no longer possible because God’s full revelation has been exchanged for the arbitrary “likes” of an individual or group of individuals.  
 
Though I strongly disagree with Naselli on the “essential” nature of one’s eschatological viewpoint, I still feel his book overall was an enjoyable, helpful, and enlightening read.  Distinguishing between meat and bones does not mean that the meat should be rejected.  

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Finding Favor in the Sight of God by Richard P. Belcher Jr.

12/24/2018

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​I was recently asked for a reading recommendation to supplement an introductory study of the book of Proverbs. Though I have found commentaries by David Hubbard, Tremper Longman III, Bruce Waltke, and others helpful in dealing with particular aspects of Proverbs, I have had difficulty finding an introduction that provides a helpful structure of the book and a meaty "big picture" introduction. My searches lead me to "Finding Favor in the Sight of God" by Richard P. Belcher Jr. and below I have provided an assessment of this tool.

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Living Life Backwards by David Gibson

8/8/2017

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​One of the last conversations I remember having with my Papa was about the Book of Ecclesiastes. I discovered that it was his favorite book of the Bible and one that had both intrigued and puzzled him through the years. I remember him saying, "If a man could get his mind wrapped around the Book of Ecclesiastes, I believe it could really change his life."
 
Since that conversation I have repeatedly found myself turning to Ecclesiastes and pondering its message. I too have become intrigued with and often puzzled with Solomon's expression of wisdom.
 
A couple years ago Brother Ron Courter held a meeting at my home congregation and spent several nights teaching from Ecclesiastes. He printed his notes in a booklet and we are happy to offer those notes in our bookstore through the link below.
 
Other than Brother Ron's notes, I have never found any outstanding material that really helped to unlock the message of Ecclesiastes in a way that made it's message come to life in both a practical and preachable way. That is until I read Living Life Backwards by David Gibson.
 
Here is the synopsis from the back cover:
 
Only by keeping the end in mind can a person truly learn how to live in the here and now. Living in light of our death reorients us to our limitations as creatures and helps us see God’s good gifts right in front of us—enabling us to live wisely, freely, and generously. Drawing on wisdom from the book of Ecclesiastes, David Gibson teaches us to embrace this countercultural mind-set and live life backward: to take the one thing in the future that is certain—our death—and work backward when it comes to our priorities, goals, desires, and decisions. If we do this, we'll learn that only with a proper perspective on death can we find meaning and satisfaction in life—and see just how great God is.
 
I highly recommend this book and believe it to be the best introduction/overview of Ecclesiastes available. It is engaging, practical, challenging, and reflective.  It will punch you in the gut with its boldness and challenge you to reconsider both your priorities in life and your purpose for living.  This book is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for those who are resistant to change.  Grab a copy and discover (perhaps for the first time) Solomon’s message of wisdom for modern man.
 
 Reading Level: Moderate

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Drawing Water From The Wells of Salvation by Doug Edwards

3/15/2017

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Drawing Water From the Wells of Salvation 
​by Doug Edwards
Reviewed by Nathan Battey


The Messianic Kingdom is an oft misunderstood and under-appreciated topic.  A majority of both problems can be attributed to people's lack of understanding and interest in the Old Testament.  By-and-large we use the Old Testament as a source of illustrations and entertaining stories.  Rarely do we take time to search out the message of the authors and allow their messages to strengthen our faith.  



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Discovering Jesus by T. D. Alexander

1/30/2017

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Discovering Jesus 

by T. D. Alexander
In the preface to his book Discovering Jesus, T. D. Alexander asks the following provocative questions:
 
“How do the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke differ from each other?  What is distinctive about each?  How does Mark’s picture of Jesus differ from that of Mathew (or Luke, or John)?  Why is John’s Gospel quite unlike the others?” 
 
He then concludes by challenging, “Even mature Christians will struggle to answer these questions.” 

 


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Family Worship by Donald S. Whitney - Reviewed by Nathan Battey

4/29/2016

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$3.99
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​Family worship is a concept foreign to most religious people and is even a rarity among members of the church.  In a world where families rarely eat together, it is not surprising that few set aside time for daily devotion.  A practice that was once a norm has now become the exception and in need of reintroduction; thus this book.

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Helping Without Hurting In Church Benevolence by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert - Reviewed by Nathan Battey

3/18/2016

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​Every congregation has visitors who show up after services are over asking for money to help them through a moment of financial crisis.  In those moments congregational leaders often find themselves caught in an awkward situation, scrambling around, and trying to decide what to do.  Sometimes the crisis story seems a bit far fetched and other times it is difficult to know the best thing to do. ​

​If you have ever found yourself in such a situation, I would recommend you get a copy of Helping Without Hurting In Church Benevolence by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert.  Helping Without Hurting
 is designed to address the exact situation previously described. 

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Answering Jihad by Nabeel Qureshi

3/17/2016

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Answering Jihad

by Nabeel Qureshi
Reviewed by Nathan Battey


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Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland

1/29/2016

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​​Love Your God With All Your Mind

By J. P. Moreland
 
Reviewed by Nathan Battey
Recommended by Brad Shockley


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When Shovels Break - Reviewed by Michael Bolton

8/20/2015

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WHEN SHOVELS BREAK, is a book written as a sequel to MUSCLE AND A SHOVEL, both by Michael J. Shank. It is a story that takes us more personally into the journey of faith that began in MUSCLE AND A SHOVEL. The following contains my opinion and recommendations about the book.

The reader is enthralled with the struggles of Michael and John, the two main characters of the story, their downward spiral, discouragement, and depression. Mr. Shank sets forth the hard facts of how sin enters and the horrifying danger it brings. One can sense the utter hopelessness and despair as John's life spins out of control. Further one can sense the dichotomy of personalities as these two characters tread the road of shame caused by sin and rebellion. From extreme zeal to discouragement and disappointment because of fellow Christians lack of zeal, to drinking, marital unfaithfulness, drugs and greed until at the end of his rope Michael comes to himself.



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    Nathan Battey

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"The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves that he has no brains of his own."  
                                                            - C. H. Spurgeon