Including the Stranger

This is a unique contribution to the NSBT series which addresses an area that is often overlooked in understanding the Old Testament in general and the Former Prophets in particular and that is the place of foreigners.

It’s easy to assume that there was no place for foreigners in the life of Israel but Firth through his close reading of the Former Prophets helps address that fundamental misconception. I this book Firth addresses the place of the foreigner in Joshua, Judges, the books of Samuel, and the books of Kings. In addressing Joshua he rightly points to how Rahab a foreigner finds welcome in whereas Achan is cut off from the people and throughout the Former Prophets that comes to be a repeating pattern. The foreigners are welcome and included as they come to know the true God, and Israelites cut off for living like the surrounding nations.

Through Firth’s careful exegesis we can see how the history recording in the Former Prophets ties into the canonical theme of the inclusion of the Gentiles among the people of God.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

100 Days to a Healthier Church: A Review

Over my years in ministry Karls Vaters has been a trusted guide in church ministry through his various writings. The last title I had read by him Small Church Essentials was a helpful corrective toward the attitude that bigger is better in regards to church size. In this book Vaters continues his emphasis on church healthiness by addressing how to implement health-producing change.

The first section of the church provides guidance in understanding the current health of the church. The following sections address how to assess the needs of the church and leads the church in a process of addressing issues in the church that might be hindering church health. One of the great things about this book is that it deals with the generalities in such a way this book will be helpful in a wide range of scenarious.

I’ve been reading this book and look forward to being able to implement what I have learned in the life of my church.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Where is Wisdom? A Review

Where is Wisdom? by Scott James

Where is Wisdom by Scott James is a helpful introduction to wisdom for children. Based on Job 28 it introduces children to the wisdom of God both in creation and ultimately in the person of Christ.

I read this book to my four children for our devotional reading and they enjoyed it and I’m sure other kids will too.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.