Biblical Theology: Definition, Methodologies, and Proponents
One of the greatest influences in becoming a "Whole Bible Christian" is the practice of Biblical Theology. But what is Biblical Theology? How is it defined? What makes it distinct? How is it practiced? Who are its advocates? These and other important questions are answered in this week's episode. We hope this introduction will provoke listeners to investigate a critically important area of Bible study and research. A transcript containing the material presented in today's episode can be downloaded through the following link. We hope the transcript will assist listeners in further disseminating the material. Why Expository Preaching? A Review of David Jackman's Book
The current episode reviews David Jackman's book Why Expository Preaching and also provides a primer on why expository preaching is such an important concept. A critique of current training and teaching methods is provided and direction for a better way is shown.
Books referenced in this episode: Why Expository Preaching? by David Jackman Preaching: A Biblical Theology by Jason Meyer 
In our first episode of the year we talk Reading Goals to set for the coming year. In particular we address 12 different areas of reading to help provide Bible students with a well rounded diet.
Specific Books Mentioned in Episode: Introduction to Biblical Studies by James E. Smith What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About by Jason DeRouchie According to Luke by David Gooding Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland House to House by Ivan Stewart Tactics by Greg Koukl The Preacher and His Work by Jack Meyer Sr. Church Leadership and Organization by Flavel Yeakley Equal Yet Different by Alexander Strauch Gospel Plan of Salvation by T. W. Brents Gospel Preacher by Benjamin Franklin McGarvey's Sermons by J. W. McGarvey Hermeneutics by D. R. Dungan Principles of Interpretation by Clinton Lockhart How Implication Binds and Silence Forbids by George F. Beals Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale A Study Guide to Greater Bible Knowledge by Wayne Jackson Why Expository Preaching? by David Jackman Proverbs by James E. Smith Proverbs by David Hubbard Proverbs by Derek Kidner Living Life Backwards by David Gibson Finding Favor in the Sight of God by Richard P. Belcher Jr. The Unfolding Mystery by Edmond Clowney Dominion and Dynasty by Stephen Dempster Series by Crossway Publications: Short Studies in Biblical Theology 2019: Top 5 and Favorite ReadsThis week's episode discusses some of my favorite reads from 2019, including my Top 5. Here are the titles discussed:
Honorable Mentions: Genesis by Richard P. Belcher Jr. Follow the Lamb by Rob Dalrymple Family Shepherds by Vodie Bauchham Jr. Deserting the King: The Book of Judges by David Beldman (Transformative Word Series) Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes The Parables of Jesus by David Wenham Tactics by Gregory Koukl How To Teach The Tabernacle by David Gooding Leviticus By Jay Sklar (TOTC) ESV Expository Commentary on Daniel by Mitchell L. Chase Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland (Re-read) Living Life Backwards by David Gibson (Re-read) Between the Cross and the Throne by Matthew Emerson (Re-Read) Top 5 Books – 2019 1- According to Luke by David Gooding 2- Who Shall Ascend the Mt. of the Lord by L. Michael Morales 3- Why Expository Preaching? By David Jackman 4- Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale 5- Forsaken by Thomas H. McCall Let's Talk DanielThis week’s episode centers around a discussion of the Book of Daniel and six challenges to understanding it’s message. The six challenges include:
1. Unfamiliarity with Daniel 7-12 2. Predictive Prophecy vs. Pseudo Prophecy 3. The Identity of the Four Kingdoms of Daniel 2 &7 4. The 70 7’s of Daniel 9 5. The “shift” from Daniel 11:35 to 11:36 6. The Resurrection of Daniel 12:2&7 Authors discussed include: Peter J. Gentry Mitchell L. Chase Homer Hailey Paul R. House James E. Smith Christopher J. H. Wright Bad Guys: John Goldingay J. J. Collins Family Shepherds by Vodie Baucham Jr.Today's episode contains a review of Vodie Baucham Jr.'s book Family Shepherds. Baucham's book serves as a primer on parenting with a focus on the role, work, and influence of fathers. We discuss pros, cons, strengths, weaknesses, and overall content. Our review does not contain a full chapter-by-chapter breakdown, but it does discuss the major themes of the book. In our final assessment we give it a 6/10.
New Testament SurveysNew Testament Surveys
Today’s episode discusses New Testament Surveys on an introductory, intermediate, and advanced level. Titles and authors discussed include: Beginner’s Level: New Testament Books Made Simple by James E. Smith(Two other volumes in this series include Old Testament History Made Simple and Old Testament Books Made Simple) Heart of the New Testament by H. I. Hester The New Testament Book by Book by Roy Cogdill Intermediate Level: Waldron Three Year Study Set New Testament Commentary by Wayne Jackson The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown by Kostenberger, Kellum, and Quarrles An Introduction to the New Testament by Carson and Moo Mixed Bags: Survey of the New Testament by Robert Gundry Popular Survey of the New Testament by Norman Geisler Individual Book Surveys: God With Us: An Introduction to Matthew by D. A. Carson Between the Cross and the Throne by Matthew Emerson (An Introduction to Revelation) Advanced Surveys: New Testament Theologies A Theology of Matthew by Charles Quarrells The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus by Allan J. Thompson Theology of the Book of Revelation by Richard Bauckham Bad Guys: Raymond E. Brown and Bart Ehrman Old Testament Surveys
Grasping the Big Picture of the Bible is crucial to sound exegesis. We want to challenge listeners to place yearly emphasis on reading a survey of the Bible (be it an Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, or Bible Survey) to not only aid in building their own knowledge of the Bible but to also help in teaching others the Bible's message. Today's episode focuses exclusively on Old Testament surveys and does so by addressing four categories of books: Introductory Surveys, Intermediate Surveys, Old Testament Theologies, and Theologies of Individual Books of the Old Testament. Here is the list of titles discussed in today's episode:
Introductory Surveys: Introduction to Biblical Studies by James E. Smith The Heart of Hebrew History by H. I. Hester A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman Geisler From Creation to the Day of Eternity by Homer Hailey Haley's Bible Handbook Intermediate Surveys: What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About by Jason DeRouchie Old Testament Survey by Paul House The Message of the Prophets by J. Daniel Hayes The Faith of Israel by William J. Dumbrell A Survey of the Old Testament - 5 Volume Set - by James E. Smith Exploring the Old Testament Series by Various Authors (including Gordon J. Wenham) Theology of the Old Testament: Old Testament Theology by Bruce Waltke Old Testament Theology by Paul House Mixed Bags: Old Testament Theology by John Sailhamer Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament by Kevin J. Vanhoozer Bad Guys: Old Testament Theology by John Goldingay Old Testament Theology by Gerhard Von Rad Theology of an Individual Book of the Old Testament: Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord by Michael Morales (Theology of Leviticus) Now Choose Life by J. Gary Millar (Theology of Deuteronomy) Finding Favor in the Sight of God by Richard P. Belcher Jr. (Theology of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, & Job) Books Everyone Owns But Nobody ReadsToday we discuss how people build their libraries and wind up with a lot of books that they don't read. Beyond discussing individual books and sets found unused in most libraries we discuss issues of why the books were purchased and why they go unused. We hope this episode will provide listeners with some insights into how to avoid making mistakes in building their libraries, challenge them to read more, and motivate some to finally get around to reading books that they have put off reading for years.
Book Review: The Gospel According to Jonah: Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy by Bryan EstelleToday’s episode provides a full length review of Bryan D. Estelle’s book Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy: The Gospel According to Jonah. Pick up a copy in our bookstore HERE. Along the way we discuss issues such as historical accuracy, structure, typology, parallelism, turning points, salvation, repentance, open theology, and regression. Estelle’s book brings a neglected gem into the light and causes the reader to marvel at it grandeur. Our hope is that our review will provoke our listeners to pick up a copy of this great resource and rediscover some forgotten truths in God’s Word.
Other Books Referenced include: Jesus and Jonah by J. W. McGarvey Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale A Primer on Exodus CommentariesToday's episode introduces listeners to some commentaries on the Book of Exodus. The list of commentaries discussed is by no means exhaustive, but there are some helpful points for those wishing to study this fascinating book of the Bible. We begin with a discussion of why it is important to study Exodus, and we conclude with a specific look a J. A. Motyer's commentary on Exodus.
Commentaries Referenced: Devotional Read: Exodus: The Lord and His Pilgrims Introductory/Moderate Read Exodus by J. A. Motyer (Bible Speaks Today Series) Exodus a Commentary by James E. Smith More Critical Works: Commentary on Exodus by Umberto Caussuto A Commentary on Exodus by Duane Garrett (Kregel Exegetical Library) New American Commentary on Exodus by Douglas Stuart Exodus by T. Desmond Alexander (Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series) Exodus: A Mentor Commentary by John L. MacKay Exodus by Bevard Childs (Old Testament Library Series) Zechariah 4 and the Two Olive TreesIn todays episode I discuss some of my recent findings within the books of Revelation and Zechariah. In Revelation 11:4 the Bible speaks of two witnesses who are represented as two olive trees and two lampstands. What is the meaning behind the symbolism of lampstands and olive trees? The olive tree symbolism of Revelation 11:4 is taken from Zechariah 4, but merely acknowledging the borrowing does not explain the symbolism. Join us as we discuss this fascinating piece of Biblical prophecy.
Books Referenced: Zechariah: A Christian Interpretation by James E. Smith ESV Expository Commentary on Zechariah by Anthony Peterson To download George Battey's series on the Book of Revelation go to: www.IndyChurchofChrist.com Commentary Sets: Pros, Cons, and ControversiesIn today’s episode we discuss the pros, cons, and controversies surrounding the use of commentary sets. Should we even use commentaries? Should we only use commentaries from a church of Christ background? Are commentary sets more helpful that individual commentaries? These and other questions are address and hopefully the answers provided are helpful.
Books that receive honorable mention include: Between the Cross and the Throne by Matthew Emmerson God With Us by D. A. Carson The Lamb, the Woman, and the Dragon by Albertus Pieters Worthy is the Lamb by Ray Summers Contending For the Faith: Matthew by John M. Criswell New International Greek Testament Commentary on Revelation by G. K. Beale New International Commentary of the New Testament on Matthew by R. T. France Episode #19: Book Review with Jamie Thomson: Genesis by Richard P. Belcher Jr.
Jamie Thomson joins today’s episode to discuss Richard P. Belcher’s commentary on Genesis from the Focus on the Bible Commentary Series. We discuss Belcher’s background, the purpose and focus of his commentary, the benefits and hang-ups of his work, and much more in this round-table discussion.
Pick up a copy in our bookstore: Other books mentioned in today’s episode include: Finding Favor in the Sight of God by Richard P. Belcher Jr. (part of the New Studies in Biblical Theology Series) Isaiah by Alan Harmon (part of the Focus on the Bible Commentary Series) Joshua-2Kings by Dale Ralph Davis (part of the Focus on the Bible Commentary Series) The New American Commentary on Genesis by Kenneth Mathews Episode #18: Do YOu Know James E. Smith?Today I want to introduce my listeners to one of my favorite authors: James E. Smith.
If you are not familiar with Smith's writings it's time to get acquainted. Smith is a prolific writer on the Old Testament who holds a high view of inspiration and conservative approach to Biblical interpretation. Most of the books discussed in today's episode can be found in our bookstore at ChristianResearcher.com and include: Biblical Protology Introduction to Biblical Studies Bible Survey A Christian View of the Old Testament Biblical Typology The Promised Messiah Exploring Mt. Zion Is There Any Word From The Lord? Biblical Prophetism Which Books Belong in the Bible? God's Law Our Compass (This is the one book Smith has written that I do not recommend). Episode #17: Reading WIth Aaron BatteyIn Part 2 of my interview with Aaron Battey we discuss reading goals, Bible reading plans, books that have had the greatest impact on his thinking (outside the Bible), books he recommends, study helps, tips, tools, and more. If you haven’t checked out Aaron’s website be sure to take a look @ www.fiveminutebiblestudy.com .
Books discussed this week include: I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek Drawing Water From The Wells of Salvation by Doug Edwards Introduction to Biblical Studies by James E. Smith The Origin of the Bible by Philip Comfort The Unfolding Mystery by Edmond Clowney The Man Who Gave God an English Voice by David Teems Episode #16: Interview with Aaron Battey: Learning From the GreatsYoung aspiring evangelist Aaron Battey (a.k.a my brother) stopped in the studio today to discuss the training he has recently undergone with two evangelists in preparation for going into the field full-time.. In particular, reading assignments and tools that he was introduced to along the way.
Episode #15: Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland - ReviewedLove Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland is a fascinating book that challenges Christians to develop their intellectual mind for the glory of God. We provide an in-depth review of the Pros and Cons to both provoke listeners to read the book and help equip them to avoid a few pitfalls they will encounter along the way.
Other books referenced/recommended along the way include: Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland (2nd edition) The King Jesus Gospel by Scott McKnight Debate Notes on Bible Classes by George F. Battey A Weed in the Church by Scott T. Brown God and Government by Lee M. Rogers Civil Government by David Lipscomb The Final Word by O. Palmer Robertson Episode #14: Devotional vs. Intellectual Reading StrategiesWhat is the purpose of devotional reading? Is devotional reading a valid practice? Are there good materials to encourage devotional reading? What is the main difference between devotional reading and intellectual reading? What should be the main focus of intellectual reading? What are some good practices to follow when reading critically? What challenges should you present to yourself when reading critically? These and other great questions are discussed in today's episode.
Books Recommendation in This Episode: (Hyperlinks provided) Granville Tyler Workbooks New Testament Questions by E. M. Zerr Mrs. Lee’s Bible Stories Psalms by the Day by Alec Motyer The Parables by Simon J. Kistemaker The Miracles by Simon J. Kistemaker Mark: DoubleDay Bible Commentary by R. T. France Episode #13: Leviticus ResearchToday’s episode of the Been There Read That Podcast centers around commentaries on the book of Leviticus. While searching for a good commentary to provide a sound structure, big picture, and thorough introduction to Leviticus, Nathan discovered both positive components and problematic pitfalls in a number of commentaries. His research ultimately lead him to what will hopefully be a worthwhile commentary to add to any library.
Commentaries discussed in this episode include: New International Commentary on Leviticus by Gordon J. Wenham Leviticus, A Commentary by James E. Smith Mentor Commentary: Leviticus by Robert Vasholz Holiness to the Lord: A Guide to the Exposition of the Book of Leviticus by Allen P. Ross Bible Speaks Today Commentary: Leviticus by Derek Tidball New American Commentary: Leviticus by Mark F. Rooker Tablets of Stone by John Reisinger Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord by L. Michael Morales Tyndale Old Testament Commentary: Leviticus by R. K. Harrison Tyndale Old Testament Commentary: Leviticus by Jay Sklar Episode #12: Bad Guys: Authors to AvoidIn this week's episode we provide a list of a "dirty dozen" dangerous authors to avoid when building your library. Rather than merely naming the authors, we have also provided a brief discussion of the positions they hold that make them dangerous. Our list includes:
John MacArthur John Piper John Stott John Goldingay Water Bruggemann Robert Alter Hugh Ross C. John Collins Julius Wellhausen Steve Moyse Don Preston Edward Fudge Recommended Reads: Focus on the Bible Commentary: Genesis by Richard P. Belcher Jr. The Gagging of God by D. A. Carson Episode #11: Current Reads and More Reading TipsIn this week's episode we share a few more reading tips and discuss the following books that are on my current reading list:
The Spirit and the Word by J. C. Holloway The Life of Christ by R. C. Foster What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About by Jason S. DeRouchie Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland Handbook to the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale From Paradise to the Promised Land by T. Desmond Alexander 1 & 2 Chronicles by Richard L. Pratt ( A Mentor Commentary) 2 Samuel by Dale Ralph Davis (Focus on the Bible Commentary Series) Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1+2 Samuel by Heath Thomas and J. D. Grear Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey Tyndale Commentary on 1 Corinthians by Thomas Schreiner Episode #10: Kingdom Come by Sam Storms - A Book ReviewThis week’s episode contains a review of Sam Storm’s book Kingdom Come. We have attempted to present an unbiased view of the book while noting both its strengths and shortcomings.
Here are books that are recommended as alternative reads to particular areas of study presented within Storm’s work:
Recommended Viewing: An Evening of Eschatology: Premillennialism, Amillennialism, and Postmillennialism (available on YouTube) The Anti-Christ by George Battey (available on ChristianLandmark.com) The Mark of the Beast by George Battey (available on ChristianLandmark.com) Episode #9: An Interview WIth George Battey on the Book of Revelation - Part 2This week's episode centers around a discussion of books to avoid and obtain in studying the Book of Revelation. Brother George Battey is in the process of writing his own commentary on the Book of Revelation and has done a ton of reading and research in the process. We are thankful for his willingness to sit down with us and share some of the materials that he has found helpful.
Bad Authors To Avoid: John Walvoord Dwight Pentecost John MacArthur Clarence Larkin Jerry Jenkins Tim LaHaye John Hagee Don Preston Max King Introductory Recommendations: The Woman the Lion and the Dragon by Albertus Pieters The Returning King by Vern Poythress Between the Cross and the Throne by Matthew Emerson Kingdom Come by Sam Storms A Case For Amillennialism by Kim Riddlebarger Intermediate Recommendations: The Triumph of the Lamb by Dennis Johnson The Revelation of John a Narrative Commentary by James L. Resseguie The Drama of Christianity by S. L. Morris Behold the Revelation of Jesus Christ by James E. Smith The Message of Revelation by Michael Wilcock More Than Conquerors by William Hendriksen ESV Expository Commentary on Revelation by Thomas R. Schreiner The Expositor’s Bible on Revelation by William Milligan Lectures of the Apocalypse by William Milligan Advanced Recommendations: New International Greek Testament Commentary on Revelation by G. K. Beale Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G. K. Beale A Theology of the Book of Revelation by Richard Bauckham The Climax of Prophecy by Richard Bauckham The Revelation of St. John by G. B. Caird The Revelation of St. John by R. C. H. Lenski The Pulpit Commentary on Revelation by Alfred Plummer Episode #8: An Interview With George Battey on the Book of Revelation - Part 1In today’s episode we have our first guest interview. Evangelist and author Brother George Battey (my father) joins us to discuss the Book of Revelation. Brother Battey is currently writing a commentary of the Book of Revelation and shares with us some helpful historical and theological information regarding this challenging book of the Bible. Topics discussed include:
Episode #7: Don't Waste Your MoneyIn this week's episode we discuss keys to building your library wisely on a budget. Tips include utilizing free books, selling books you don't use, knowing what a good price is for a book, how to assess a book you are not familiar with, how and where to find book reviews, and how to target/discover good books.
Books discussed in this episode includes: The Preacher and His Work by Jack Meyer Sr. Old Testament Commentary Survey by Tremper Longman III. New Testament Commentary Survey by D. A. Carson Episode #6: Reading Assignment, Sabbath,and CreationEpisode #6 discusses the pros and cons of the weekly reading assignment in T. Desmond Alexander’s book From Paradise to the Promised Land. Two issues that surfaced in the assignment were the concept of a corrupted creation through man’s fall and keeping the Sabbath ordinance of the Old Testament. Reading recommendations related to these two issues included:
Episode #5: Author Highlight: O. Palmer Robertson |
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Today’s episode shines the spotlight on author O. Palmer Robertson. Robertson’s major works are introduced and then a full review is given of his two best books.
Books Mentioned:
Books Mentioned:
- Christ of the Prophets
- The Genesis of Sex
- The Israel of God
- The Christ of Wisdom
- The Christ of the Covenants (not recommended)
- The Current Justification Controversy (not recommended)
- The Final Word
- God’s People in the Wilderness
Episode #4: The Pentateuch, THe Garden, The Kingdom, and More
Episode #4 begins with some helpful reading practices, discusses last week's assigned reading, introduces some books that arrived in the mail, and opens a discussion topic on Calvinism. The largest portion of the episode features a discussion of the high points from chapters 7 & 8 of T. Desmond Alexander's "From Paradise to the Promised Land". Alexander's book is currently featured in the weekly reading assignments. There are also brief reviews and introductions to "Kingdom Come" by Sam Storms, "Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes" by Kenneth E. Bailey, "Drawing Water From The Wells Of Salvation"Doug Edward, "Practicing Proverbs" by Richard Mayhue, "Jesus the Sage" by Ben Witherington, "Seriously Dangerous Religion" by Iain Provan, "Elect in the Son" by Robert Shank, and "The Gospel Plan of Salvation" by T. W. Brents. If you have a favorite book to recommend on the topic of Calvinism, please send us the title and author's name to ChristianResearcher@gmail.com.
Episode #3: Reading GOals and Reviews
Today's episode features a discussion of New Year's resolution reading goals, reading strategies, a few brief reviews of Nathan's current reading material, and an invitation to join in a reading study through the Pentateuch.
Episode #2: Where we are Going
In today's episode we will discuss all of the different types of content you can expect to find in upcoming episodes including reading programs, book reviews, study recommendations, interviews, and much more.
Episode #1: Intro And Goals of the Podcast
Join us for our first episode and get to know us, our website (www.ChristianResearcher.com), and the goals we hope to accomplish through our podcast. Our main goal is to promote Bible knowledge by offering encouragement pointing listeners toward helpful resources and techniques. We're excited about this new endeavor and hope you will join us in our weekly journey.
