Short Studies in Biblical Theology – serie

“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” —Matthew 19:30The Bible is full of ironic situations in which God overturns the world’s wisdom by doing the opposite of what is expected—people are punished by their own sin, the persecution of the church is the catalyst for its growth, Paul claims to have strength through weakness, and more. In this book, biblical scholar G. K. Beale explores God’s pattern of divine irony in both judgment and salvation, finding its greatest expression in Jesus’s triumph over death through death on a cross. Unpacking this pattern throughout redemptive history, Beale shows us how God often uses what is seemingly weak and foolish to underscore his own strength and power in the lives of his people today. Develops the irony of judgment and salvation from the garden of Eden through Israel’s idolatry in the Old Testament to the cross of ChristTeaches readers to see how God uses what is weak and foolish in the world’s eyes to magnify his own power and gloryPart of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, which offers readers accessible introductions to major topics in biblical theology

Marriage reveals something of eternal significance. From the beginning, God designed marriage to convey a greater reality—the passionate, unfailing, redeeming love of God for sinners, the eternal romance between Christ and his bride.In this volume, Ray Ortlund traces marriage throughout Scripture—from the first marriage in the garden of Eden to the ultimate marriage in the book of Revelation—laying out a transcendent vision of marriage that dignifies our own imperfect unions as a display of the gospel. This book offers insight and hope to every married person today.

"You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you." —Psalm 128:2 Work has been a part of God's good creation since before the fall—created to reflect his image and glory to the world. What are we to make of this when work today is all too often characterized by unwanted toil, pain, and futility? In this book, pastor, professor, and biblical scholar James Hamilton explores how work fits into the big story of the Bible, revealing the glory that God intended when he gave man work to do, the ruin that came as a result of the fall, and the redemption yet to come, offering hope for flourishing in the midst of fallen futility.Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series. Includes discussion questions at the end of each chapterAuthor is a well-known biblical scholar, professor, and pastorWritten for laypeople, students, and church leaders as an accessible introduction to the biblical theology of workPart of an ongoing series of insightful, accessible, and practical volumes focused on key themes in biblical theologyExplores how the fall affected work and how that impacts humanity's identity in relation to vocation today

“Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations.” —Genesis 17:4Throughout the Bible, God has related to his people through covenants. It is through these covenant relationships, which collectively serve as the foundation for God’s promise to bring redemption to his people, that we can understand the advancement of his kingdom. This book walks through six covenants from Genesis to Revelation, helping us grasp the overarching narrative of Scripture and see the salvation God has planned for us since the beginning of time—bolstering our faith in God and giving us hope for the future.Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, which offers readers accessible introductions to major topics in biblical theologyExplores God's covenants throughout the Bible, from creation to Noah, Abraham, Israel, David, and ultimately the new covenantHelps readers understand how the Old and New Testaments relate to each otherHelps shed light on the big picture of the Bible

“I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things.” Isaiah 45:7 When God created the world, he brought perfect order out of what was “without form and void.” But with human rebellion against God leading to God’s curse, disorder was introduced into creation—disorder that we still see all around us today. Tracing the chaos to cosmos theme from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22, pastor-scholar Sidney Greidanus reveals how God is restoring his creation through Jesus Christ, who has already begun to shine light into the darkness and will one day return to bring peace, order, and restoration once and for all. With discussion questions at the end of each chapter and a fourteen-session reading plan, this book is ideal for small groups as well as individual study. Demonstrates the unity of Scripture centering on Christ’s first coming and climaxing at his second comingOffers hope for restoration of the world through Jesus ChristIncludes sample sermons that illuminate this theme throughout the BiblePart of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, which offers readers accessible introductions to major topics in biblical theology

“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” –Hebrews 13:14At the very heart of God’s plan for the world stands an extraordinary city. Beginning with the garden of Eden in Genesis and ending with the New Jerusalem in Revelation, the biblical story reveals how God has been working throughout history to establish a city filled with his glorious presence. Tracing the development of the theme of city in both testaments, T. Desmond Alexander draws on his experience as a biblical scholar to show us God’s purpose throughout Scripture to dwell with his redeemed people in a future extraordinary city on a transformed earth.Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, which offers readers accessible introductions to major topics in biblical theologyExplores the theme of city throughout the Bible, from the garden of Eden to the New JerusalemHelps readers understand how the Old and New Testaments relate to each otherHelps shed light on the big picture of the Bible

The theme of divine sonship stretches across the pages of the Bible: from Adam in the garden of Eden, through the nation of Israel and King David, and ultimately to Jesus Christ in the New Jerusalem—the Son of God par excellence.In this volume, renowned biblical scholar Graeme Goldsworthy shows what Christ's fulfillment of the divine sonship motif means for all who are sons and daughters of God.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” —Matthew 13:31–32When Jesus began his ministry, he announced that the kingdom of God was at hand. But many modern-day Christians don’t really understand what the kingdom of God is or how it relates to the message of the gospel.Defining kingdom as the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place, Patrick Schreiner investigates the key events, prophecies, and passages of Scripture that highlight the important theme of kingdom across the storyline of the Bible—helping readers see how the mission of Jesus and the coming of the kingdom fit together.Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series. Explores the theme of the kingdom of God throughout both the Old and New Testaments of the BibleDefines the kingdom of God as entailing the king’s power over the king’s people in the king’s placeHelps shed light on the big picture of the Bible, culminating in JesusPart of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, which offers readers accessible introductions to major topics in biblical theology

How God Communicates His Covenants through CommunionWhat is the meaning of the Lord’s Supper? Jesus instituted the Supper to strengthen the faith of his followers by reminding them of his promises. More than an ancient church tradition or a complex doctrinal controversy, it has practical importance in the lives of Christians today.God has always made promises to his people through covenants, and along with them given signs and meals to point to and confirm his blessings. In The Lord’s Supper as the Sign and Meal of the New Covenant, professor Guy Prentiss Waters defines and explores the unity of the covenants in the Old and New Testaments. Biblical and Theological: Explores covenant meals, which point to God’s provision in ChristComprehensive: Explains covenant signs, or the ways God appeals to believers through the 5 senses to reveal and reinforce his promisesAccessible: Written for laypeople, students, and church leaders of all levelsIn this short guide, readers recover the practical importance of communion for the family of God and reflect on the meaning of Christ’s words, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Explores 3 purposes of the Lord’s Supper: an expression of communion with Jesus Christ, a demonstration of unity with other Christians, and a demarcation between the church and the worldHelps the contemporary church understand the significance of the Lord's Supper as a covenant sign and covenant mealPart of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, which offers readers accessible introductions to major topics in biblical theology

A Biblical Theology of the New Creation from Genesis to Revelation“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” —Revelation 21:3The Bible begins with the story of one perfectly good God creating a perfectly good universe. Forming two perfectly good human beings in his own image—Adam and Eve—was the crown jewel of his creative expression. Through humanity’s sin, however, God’s creation fell into a fallen state—yet he promised to bring restoration. In this book, Frank Thielman traces the theme of the new creation through the Bible, beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation. He shows us that at every turn, God invites his people to be a “kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6), exemplifying the new creation to a needy and watching world until the return of Jesus. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology seriesA biblical theology of the new creationExplores the important role of the church in the new creationEncourages readers with the hope of restoration found in the gospel

A Biblical Theology of the Royal Priesthood from Genesis to Revelation“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” —1 Peter 2:9From Genesis to Revelation, the theme of the royal priesthood runs through the biblical story from the garden of Eden through the priesthood of Israel to Jesus Christ—the true and better high priest. It culminates with the creation of God’s new covenant people, called out of the nations to be his priests to the nations. In this concise treatment, David Schrock traces this theme of priesthood throughout the Bible and displays to readers how Jesus, the great high priest, informs the worship, discipleship, and evangelism of the church. Short and Accessible: Traces the theme of priesthood from Genesis to Revelation and gives practical application for the church todayWritten for Laypeople and Church Leaders: Excellent for students, Bible studies, small groups, and leaders of all levelsPart of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things”—Romans 8:32As Christians, “blessing” pervades our everyday lives—from testimonies recounting God’s provision, to praise songs, to wishing someone well. The term has been so integrated into our everyday vocabulary that it is rarely considered carefully. Many people think that blessing is described as either physical (Genesis 1:22) or spiritual (Ephesians 1:3), but a fuller biblical-theological approach reveals that God’s blessing has always been physical, spiritual, and—ultimately—relational. Unpacking this pattern throughout redemptive history, William Osborne shows that divine blessing is not just a good gift here or there, but the fullness of all we were created to be, in relationship with our Creator. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology seriesTraces the theme of blessing through both the Old and New TestamentsCorrective to misconceptions about the Bible’s teaching on blessing

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”—Genesis 3:15We’ve all heard this story: the hero fights a dragon in an epic battle, and just as it appears the dragon is going to prevail, the hero saves the day. Best-selling novels and blockbuster movies are filled with this type of story, but did you know that this is the main theme of the Bible too?Tracing the theme of serpents and dragons through both Testaments, trusted scholar Andrew David Naselli demonstrates that these stories reflect our desire to know the ultimate story—the struggle between God’s offspring and the offspring of the serpent. As we come to experience this captivating, unifying narrative, we will rejoice in the ultimate victory of Jesus—the serpent slayer—over the devouring dragon in Revelation. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology seriesTraces the promise of redemption through the BibleConcise primer for those interested in biblical theologyInteracts with 5 popular “dragon” stories: Saint George and the Dragon, Beowulf, The Pilgrim's Progress, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter

A Short Study of the Sabbath from Creation to ConsummationWhen it comes to the Sabbath, Christians have different ideas on what it means and how to observe it. For many people, it is a day to go to church and have fellowship with other believers. What they often miss, though, is that the Sabbath is intricately tied to rest and worship—both of which ultimately point to the Lord as our creator and redeemer.In this addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, Guy Prentiss Waters offers an introductory study of the Sabbath from the creation of the world to the consummation of all things when Jesus returns. He shows how the Sabbath is observed through the major themes and genres of the Bible—creation, law, prophets, Jesus, and the apostles—and how that applies to our lives today. Waters teaches us about the Sabbath’s full restoration in the new heavens and the new earth and its continual reminder of the covenant that God has made with his people.  Written for New Believers and Seasoned Saints Alike: Perfect for laypersons, pastors, college and seminary students, and academics Practical: Examines how the Sabbath is relevant to the church now as well as how it will be restored in the new heavens and the new earth Short Studies in Biblical Theology: Part of a series designed to give readers accessible volumes on God’s word

A Biblical Theology of Resurrection Hope from Genesis to Revelation Death is a powerful and sobering reality. While everyone must face death, it is not the end for those united with Christ. Followers of Jesus Christ have resurrection hope—the proclamation that Christ has defeated death and the promise that believers shall share in his victory. The resurrection is essential to the Christian faith and is rooted in the faithfulness of God. With scholarly insight, Mitchell L. Chase traces the theme of resurrection hope throughout Scripture, walking through each section of the Bible from the Law to Revelation. Having a proper understanding of death and resurrection will not only stir up our soberness for the reality of sin and death, but it will also motivate our praise to God.  Founded on Scripture: Highlights the interconnectedness of the Bible For Learners: Ideal for students or anyone looking to grow in their knowledge of God and the ScripturesPart of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series: Other volumes include The New Creation and the Storyline of Scripture, The Lord’s Supper as the Sign and Meal of the New Covenant, and The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross

A Canonical Journey to Explore the Mission of the Eternal God“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). This declarative phrase introduces fundamental questions circling the minds of skeptics and believers of Christianity alike. What was God’s mission when he chose to create? And why, through the Savior’s death on the cross and the witness of his church, does he continue to redeem the very creation that rebels against him?To answer these imperative questions, author Justin Schell takes readers on a canonical journey exploring the mission of the eternal God—Father, Son, and Spirit. Drawing insights from creation, the exodus of God’s people, the suffering servant, the Great Commission, and consummation, this book examines the purpose and beauty of God’s great story. It is out of an abundance of love that God brings us into union with him, calling his church to bear witness to all that has been done in Christ, until the day that he returns.   Explores the Mission of God: Takes readers on a canonical journey to examine the purpose and beauty of God’s story Academic yet Accessible: Perfect for pastors, college and seminary students, missionaries, and lay leadersShort Studies in Biblical Theology: Part of a series designed to give readers accessible volumes on God’s word. Other volumes include Sanctification as Set Apart and Growing in Christ; The Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God; and more

Tracing God’s Wisdom Throughout ScriptureIn an age saturated with breaking news and endless search results, we are overwhelmed with information but starved for wisdom. Where can we turn for guidance that lasts? In this volume from the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, biblical scholar Matthew S. Harmon traces the theme of wisdom throughout Scripture, revealing its presence in Eden, its role in Israel, its embodiment in Christ, and its significance in the life of the church. Harmon reveals a recurring pattern in the Bible’s redemptive narrative: God reveals his wisdom, humanity rejects it, and God ultimately vindicates it. This pattern not only shapes the biblical story but also helps readers live faithfully in a fallen world by pointing them to Christ, the one who perfectly embodies the wisdom we so desperately need.  Explores the Wisdom of God: Traces the theme of wisdom throughout Eden, Israel, Christ, the church, and in the new creationAcademic yet Accessible: Perfect for pastors, college and seminary students, missionaries, and lay leadersShort Studies in Biblical Theology: Part of a series designed to give readers accessible volumes on God’s word. Other volumes include The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church; The Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God; and more

Accessible Guide Explores Humanity’s Exile and the Hope of AtonementGod’s people, once resting in his divine presence, now toil in exile. The theme of humanity’s expulsion and wandering begins with Adam and Eve, but echoes in events throughout the Bible. Emphasizing the pain of separation from God, exile stories also highlight the hope of resurrection and creation’s imminent restoration back to the Edenic state.In this addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, Nicholas G. Piotrowski traces the theme of exile throughout Scripture, giving readers a renewed appreciation for redemptive history and atonement in Christ. Sharing from his 15 years of study, Piotrowski connects the journeys of Abraham, Joseph, and Jesus with tabernacle imagery and other types to illustrate recurring themes of exile from Genesis until the new creation. This accessible volume helps believers understand their own exile and rejoice with the hope that they will one day worship in God’s holy presence. Brief and Easy to Understand: Piotrowski’s clear style makes this theologically rich guide accessible for students and teachers as well as new ChristiansComprehensive: Asserting that the return from exile is the Bible’s principle drama, Piotrowski examines stories from the Garden of Eden to Mount Sinai, the Land of Canaan, and the new creationPart of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series: Other volumes include Resurrection Hope and the Death of Death; The Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God; and Sanctification as Set Apart and Growing in Christ