Theology

Williamson, Paul R. Sealed with an Oath: Covenant in God’s Unfolding Purpose. New Studies in Biblical Theology, Volume 23. Downers Grove, ILL: IVP Academic, 2007. Paperback, 224 pages. $23.00

(Review copy courtesy of InterVarsity Press.)

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Series: New Studies in Biblical Theology, Volume: 23

Series Editor: D. A. Carson

Special Features: Bibliography; Index of Modern Authors; Index of Scripture References

ISBNs: 0830826246 / 9780830826247

LCCN: BS680.C67 W55 DCN: 231.7/6

Subjects: Biblical Theology, Covenants

by Kevin T. Bauder

When I accepted my first senior pastorate, I thought that I had no illusions about ministry. I had grown up in a pastor’s home, been through four years of Bible college (which took me six years to finish), completed four years of seminary (M.Div. and Th.M.), served in an interim pastorate, worked as a pastor of youth and music for two years, and taught Greek and theology in a Bible college for two years. I thought that I knew what I was getting into.

I was wrong.

Within a month, I felt completely overwhelmed. I had no idea that pastoral ministry involves constantly juggling a dozen time bombs, any one of which has the potential to destroy the church. I had no clue about the depth to which depravity has affected the lives of Baptist church members or about the horrendous moral and spiritual problems that I would be forced to confront. I had no way of guessing how petty and vituperative God’s dear children could be.

I was not ready.

Of course, most of ministry was not the “bad stuff.” Most of it was very, very good and tremendously fulfilling. The church to which I was called was not a bad church—it was just an ordinary one, with all the usual quirks and foibles.

But I didn’t know that.

Reviewed by Douglas Brown

Always Reforming: Explorations in Systematic Theology. Edited by A. T. B. McGowan. Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2007. Paperback, 368 pages. $26.00

(review copy courtesy of InterVarsity Press)
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Contributors: Gerald bray, Stephen Williams, Robert L. Reymond, Kevin J. Vanhoozer, A. T. B. McGowan, Richard C. Gamble, Henri Blocher, Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., Cornelis P. Venema, and Derek W. H. Thomas.

Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, and Part 7.

by Kevin T. Bauder

Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6.

by Kevin T. Bauder

Pauline Perspectives on the Holy Spirit, the Contemporary Church, and a Postmodern World

“That was then. This is now.”
by Dr. Sam Horn

Read Part 1.

Pauline Perspectives on the Holy Spirit, the Contemporary Church, and a Postmodern World

“That was then. This is now.”

by Dr. Sam Horn

“If we are going to count for much in the post-modern world in which we now live, the Spirit must remain key to the Church’s existence.” —Gordon Fee

The New England Theology: From Jonathan Edwards to Edwards Amasa Park. Edited by Douglas A. Sweeney and Allen C. Guelzo. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2006. 320 pages. $29.99/hardback.

(Review copy courtesy of Baker Academic.)

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Special Features: Bibliographic references and index