Faithful to the End - eBook

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I grew up in inner-city Dayton, Ohio as the child of parents who did not profess Christ or attend church. I was converted on Easter Sunday evening at the age of 23, called to full-time ministry shortly thereafter, and have been active in preaching and teaching, and equipping students for ministry ever since.

1. How did you become interested in writing?

I am sure that my mother and my high school English teachers were the first persons to inspire in me an interest in writing. I became further interested in writing when doing research and writing for my PhD studies.

1. What compelled you to write a book on this subject?

I teach New Testament and helped write this book to complete a trilogy of NT introductions started by Craig Blomberg (Jesus and the Gospels) and John Polhill (Paul and His Letters). Moreover, the books of Hebrews through Revelation usually receive less attention than other NT books in introductory courses. Further, very few introductory textbooks have been written in recent years on the biblical books of Hebrews through Revelation.

1. What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?

God is faithful to us and expects us to be faithful to him. Each of these biblical letters in some fashion contains a strong theme of being faithful and persevering in the Christian faith.

1. Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

After reading this book I hope readers will be encouraged to remain faithful to God by persevering when times get difficult and not persisting in sin. I also hope that they realize that faithfulness is an inherent part of God’s nature, and he will always be faithful to us, whether we are faithful or not.

1. What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?

Very few introductory textbooks have been written strictly on the biblical books of Hebrews through Revelation. To my knowledge, this textbook is the only one written in recent years from an evangelical, Southern Baptist perspective and strictly on the biblical books of Hebrews through Revelation.

1. How does the book intertwine with God¹s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?

As a NT professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, I wrote this book with students in mind. The book is readable while not lacking in serious scholarship. Also, since these biblical books occur at the end of the NT and often receive little attention in introductory courses, I wrote this book so that students would have material that thoroughly covered those books.

8. Do you have a favorite Scripture verse? What is it and why is it important to you?

2 Corinthians 8:9 because it reminds me of God’s grace and the great price that Christ paid in order for me to have both eternal life and abundant life in him.

1. Are there any authors that either influenced you personally or influenced your style of writing? Who are they and how did they influence you?

William E. Bell, Jr. (retired), Religion Professor, Dallas Baptist University: He influenced me to think biblically and to write from a biblical base.

Thomas D. Lea (deceased), Academic Dean & New Testament Professor, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary: He encouraged me to write clearly.

I. Howard Marshall, Emeritus Professor of New Testament, University of Aberdeen, Scotland: He influenced me to think and write carefully.

1. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?

I like spending time with my wife and sons. My hobbies include travel, history, and sports (primarily running, basketball, and baseball).