2020 Christian Book Award ®: Bible Reference Works Finalists

Deepen your understanding of the sometimes enigmatic Hebrew sayings in the book of Proverbs. Presented in a flexible format to facilitate use as a reader or a devotional, Kline's compilation features glosses for each poetic Hebrew line, fully parsed verbs, and an English translation. A meaningful academic and spiritual experience that invites contemplative reading and sustained reflection.

This textbook offers students a biblically rich, creedally structured, ecumenically evangelical, and ethically engaged introduction to Christian theology. Daniel Treier, coeditor of the popular Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, discusses key Scripture passages, explains Christian theology within the structure of the Nicene Creed, explores the range of evangelical approaches to contested doctrines, acquaints evangelicals with other views (including Orthodox and Catholic), and integrates theological ethics with chapters on the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer. The result is a meaty but manageable introduction to the convictions and arguments shaping contemporary evangelical theology.

There’s no doubt about Benedict XVI’s theological legacy. He’s been at the center of every major theological controversy in the Catholic Church over the last fifty years. But he remains a polarizing figure, misunderstood by supporters and opponents alike.

A deeper understanding of Benedict’s theology reveals a man dedicated to the life and faith of the church. In this collection of essays, prominent Protestant theologians examine and commend the work of the Pope Emeritus. Katherine Sonderegger, Kevin Vanhoozer, and Carl Trueman—among others—present a full picture of Benedict’s theology, particularly his understanding of the relationship between faith and reason and his pursuit of truth for the church. The global Christian faith can learn from Benedict’s insight into the modern church and his desire to safeguard the future of the church by leaning on the wisdom of the ancient church.

The Zondervan Essential Companion to Christian History gives you what it promises: the essentials. This highly informative, broad-ranging book provides vital facts on the growth and impact of Christianity from the apostles to the present day not only in the Western world but also globally, including the development of Eastern Orthodox and Armenian Christianity, as well as considering Christianity in Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Baltic and Slavic states, and India. The companion is organized by century, going through the major events, ideas, and personalities that have shaped Christian history around the world.

Following a brief introduction that outlines the key events of the New Testament era, there is a chapter devoted to each century of Christian history beginning with the year 100 and ending roughly at the year 2000. Each chapter flows chronologically featuring:

• A brief overview, highlighting the main threads and issues running through the relevant century
• Key historical developments explained
• Thematic connections between centuries
• Color-coded sidebars on Persons, Ideas, or Events
• Persons: key figures either within or without the Church who have impacted Christian history significantly or who otherwise deserve special mention
• Ideas: important Christian books, as well as heresies, doctrines, or political movements
• Events: world-historical occurrences such as battles, natural disasters, inventions, or elections that have affected the development of Christianity in the world

The final chapter, devoted to the present century concludes the companion identifying key themes that the Christian Church is presently dealing with and suggesting future issues. A select Glossary of terms is provided at the end of the book, as well as a bibliographic list of suggested reading.

Whether you are a student or a lay person, a church-goer or unacquainted with Christianity, this book will help you grasp the global, multifaceted story of Christians.

Created for pastors and Bible teachers, Thielman's outstanding commentary on Paul's epistle is packed with essential features. It treats the literary context and structure of each passage in Greek and provides an original translation, exegetical outline, explanation of the text, and theological application. Critical scholarship informs each step but does not overshadow the larger thematic and theological focus.