BiblicalInsights.net

Alexander Campbell and His New Version by Cecil K. Thomas is based upon a dissertation presented to the faculty of Princeton Theological Seminary in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Theology by the author.  Thomas reviews the production by Alexander Campbell of a new translation the first of which debuted in 1826.  Altogether there were six editions of this version.  However, Campbell did not do the translation work on this version.  Campbell did the translation work on the book of Acts for the American Bible Union.  A small preliminary edition of the whole New Testament was issued by the American Bible Union in 1864.  A Family and Pulpit Edition of the New Testament, finally revised, was issued as the Second Edition is 1866. After reviewing details of the publication of Campbell’s New Version, Thomas reveals the principles behind the translation and revision work of Campbell.  Thomas shows Campbell’s understanding of inspiration.  He also gives Campbell’s rules for interpretation of the Scriptures.  This book provides good information about Campbell’s viewpoints on some crucial aspects of translating and understanding God’s Word.  I have posted a review of this book on my Book Reviews page.

Jonathan Griffiths wrote a new book in the New Studies in Biblical Theology series edited by D. A. Carson titled, Preaching in the New Testament: An Exegetical and Biblical-Theological Study.  The book was published by InterVarsity Press in 2017.  I have posted a review of this book on my website and it can be found under the Book Reviews page.  This book (1) defines biblical preaching; (2) gives a thorough word study of the verbs in the Greek New Testament translated by the English word, “preach or preaching”; (3) establishes that preaching is distinct from other forms of word ministry and (4)  argues against the complementarian view –though this is not done as demonstrably as I would have liked Griffiths to have accomplished.  Every year preachers should read a book that pertains to their craft.  This book would be beneficial to furthering one’s own understanding of the value of preaching.  Preaching is irreplaceable and indispensable to the growth of the kingdom of God.

A new book review of Phillip Mauro’s work, The Wonders of Biblical Chronology has been posted under the Book Reviews page on this website.  Important features of this book are:  (1)  Mauro examines the chronological statements in the Bible and gives the number of years that have elapsed from the time of Adam’s creation until the final week of Daniel’s prophecy of the seventy weeks which brings us up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; (2) the book includes twelve chronological charts that aid in the record of the time elapsed during Old Testament history and the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ; (3) the book helps in the refutation of evolutionary chronology; (4) Mauro demonstrates that the chronological statements in the Bible are interwoven with the history of the people, places and events that form the history of the Messiah.  You cannot alter the chronological statements without radically altering the history of the Messiah.
Many Bible students have never taken the time to study the chronological statements in God’s Word.  This book will aid the student in that important study.

Recently, I uploaded a new book review on my Book Reviews page.  The book was written by Lance Mosher and is titled, Conformed, Reborn, Transformed.  The book is an autobiographical look at Lance’s own spiritual journey.  Lance is led by his study of God’s word to reject man-made doctrines.  He is influenced in his early years by family, friends and culture to take paths that do not lead  him to the truth.  Only God’s word provides the guidance that helps him reject sin and religious error and come fully to the light.  Every person is on a spiritual journey.  Every person would benefit from reading Lance’s own story.  Perhaps you, too, will find the Light.

Recently, I experienced a cyberattack.  This caused me to also experience a shut-down of my webpage for several days.  I have corrected all problems and I have uploaded all of the previous information that existed on my webpage.  In short:  I’m back!  Thanks for your patience and be sure to tell others about this website.

I have posted a five and one-half page book review of the Divorce Dilemma by James Woodroof.  This book was published in 1977.  The author states that the main purpose of the book is to make application of the divine law on divorce from the viewpoint of the circumstances of the first century.  The book misses the mark.  The author does not thoroughly examine the primary divorce legislation in the New Testament.  There is very little exegetical work done on the specific passages that touch on this important subject.  The author contradicts himself several times.  He makes Paul contradict Jesus.  He makes Paul countermand Jesus.  He attempts to establish his case on pure speculation and yet feels very confident in doing this.  You’re going to want to read this review.  It is located under Book Reviews on this blog.

Recently, I added a new book review to my website.  The book is What’s Wrong With Same-Sex Marriage?  It was written by D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe.  The book tackles some important issues regarding same-sex marriages.  The authors focus on the real reasons for the push for same-sex marriage.  They address the important question relating to whether or not homosexuals are genetically determined or developed gender identity issues because of some childhood trauma.  They also give many important statistics that show the destructive nature of the homosexual lifestyle.  This book is easy to read and contains important information regarding this current issue in America.  To read my review, click on the Book Reviews page and select Same-Sex Marriage.