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BOOK HIGHLIGHT – Turning Your World Upside Down by Richard D. Phillips

Turning Your World Upside Down: Kingdom Priorities in the Parables of Jesus
by Richard D. Phillips

248 pages | Direct Price: $14.99 $5.20 | Paperback | Published: 2003

Summary: The parables of Jesus pose a striking challenge to current thinking about personal relationships, money, security, and success. They search our hearts and try our attitudes, showing us the truth about ourselves and pointing the way God wants us to go.

The parables confront our worldliness with the searching perspective of heaven—all the while deepening our understanding of salvation and the priorities of Christ our King. In short, they turn our world upside down.

Richard Phillips shows how as he explores Jesus’ parables of the sower, the rich fool, the lost treasure, and many more in these thirteen chapters. Discussion questions help to make this book well suited to group or individual study.

About the Author:

Phillips, Rick photo hi resRichard D. Phillips (MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina. He is a council member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, chairman of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, and co-editor of the Reformed Expository Commentary series.

Phillips

What Others Say About This Book:

“People love stories. Jesus, the Master teacher, used stories to teach us about his Kingdom. As you read this book, be prepared to be challenged in your daily life. A welcome addition, this easily read volume carefully and accurately reflects the heart of Jesus in each kingdom story.”

Charles Dunahoo

“Rick Phillips relates the profound truths beneath the surface of Jesus’ apparently simple parables in ways that relish God’s astonishing love.”

Bryan Chapell

 

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Our mis­sion is to serve Christ and his church by pro­duc­ing clear, engag­ing, fresh, and insight­ful appli­ca­tions of Reformed theology.

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Author Interview with Jonty Rhodes

This week’s author interview is with Jonty Rhodes. He is the author of Covenants Made Simple: Understanding God’s Unfolding Promises to His People.

 

Rhodes, Jonty

  • Question #1 – Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you’re from, family, job, personal interests, unique hobbies, what you do in your spare time, etc.

I was born on the south coast of England, but am descended from a family of northerners: mostly from the beautiful Lake District that borders Scotland. I’m now pastor of Christ Church Derby, a Presbyterian church roughly in the middle of England. Presbyterianism in England (as opposed to Scotland) is a rare thing, so we’re somewhat of an endangered species. By way of illustration, Christ Church is about four years old and with 75 people, we’d easily be in the ten largest Presbyterian churches in England.

My wife Georgina and I have one little girl Charlotte and a second child due any minute…

 

  • Question #2 – When did you first want to write a book?

My mum recently found my first book. It’s called ‘A Rocket gows to spase’ (not having passed through the P&R copy-editors) and includes lots of aliens, lots of shooting and some illuminating crayon illustrations. So far, it’s still awaiting publication.

 

  • Question #3 – What inspired you to write this book, about this topic?

In England covenant theology has really fallen by the wayside, at least as far as the majority of conservative evangelical churches are concerned. There are some great books out there, but I couldn’t find one to give as an introduction for someone new to the topic. I also found that, unlike in the works some of our Puritan and Reformed forefathers, several books that do focus on covenant theology lay out a biblical theology without drawing systematic conclusions, or showing the significance of the covenants for everyday life. I wanted to try and show how, far from relying on a handful of favourite proof texts, the Reformed gospel we preach grows naturally out of the Bible’s story.

Another way to answer the question would be to say that I’ve so enjoyed reading the really clever guys – from Horton, Palmer Robertson, and Murray back through Vos, Berkhof and Bavinck and on to the Puritans – that I wanted to try and introduce some of their brilliance to an audience who might not be prepared to start with them.

 

  • Question #4 – Do you have a favorite quote? What is it and why?

There are two that would be tied for first place.

G.K Chesteron wrote ‘If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly.’ Like many quotations it has now broken free from its original context, but I find it helpful as a reminder to accept your limitations, not wait for perfection and press on doing the best you can in the time you have.

Then at the funeral of a wonderful man who had discipled me for a number of years as a student, the minister said ‘David taught us two things: firstly to take the gospel seriously, and secondly not to take ourselves too seriously.’

 

  • Question #5 – Do you have a favorite book that you have written?

Having looked through the extensive back catalogue, I’d have to say it’s almost certainly now the rocket one.

 

  • Question #6 – Favorite sport to watch? Why?

Cricket – it’s like a sophisticated version of baseball and lasts five days.

 

  • Question #7 – The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia? Why?

It seems almost obligatory to say you prefer the Lord of the Rings, and talk about its greater depth, subtlety and scope. But if I’m only allowed one, I’m going to go for Narnia – I’m no literary scholar and find the Chronicles almost invariably spiritually refreshing.

 

  • Question #8 – What famous person (living or dead) would you like to meet and why?

I love history, so can think of all sorts of characters I’d like to meet. But as a less obvious choice, one who springs to mind is Yuri Gagarin. To be the first man into space must have taken astounding bravery.

 


Want to learn more about Jonty?

Follow him on Twitter: @JontyGRhodes


 

Making Him Known Series

In P&R’s Making Him Known series, Sally Michael guides parents and their young children through the basics of the Bible, exploring even complex theological topics in easy-to-understand, kid-friendly language. At the end of each ready-made lesson, Michael includes additional questions for reflection and family activities that will help children to remember what they have learned. These full-color, illustrated books are the perfect devotional tools for families with young children.


1. God’s Names by Sally Michael

120 pages | Direct Price: $16.99 $13.00 | Released: 2011

Summary: This is a full-color guide for parents to teach their early elementary children about God’s character, as it is revealed in 24 names in the Bible. Each chapter ends with a personal application and activities.

2. God’s Promise by Sally Michael

128 pages | Direct Price: $16.99 $13.00 | Released: 2012

Summary: Parents can help their early elementary children trust in God’s promises revealed throughout the Bible with this full-color, illustrated guide that includes personal application and suggestions for activities.

3. God’s Providence by Sally Michael

128 pages | Direct Price: $16.99 $13.00 | Released: 2013

Summary: In this full-color guide to how God’s providence works in the world, parents can stimulate a lively discussion with early elementary children about resting in God’s sovereign care. Each chapter includes personal application and activities.

4. God’s Wisdom by Sally Michael

128 pages | Direct Price: $16.99 $13.00 | Released: 2014

Summary: Sally Michael helps parents and children discover the joys of wisdom and discern the destruction of foolishness in this full-color, illustrated book that includes application questions and activity suggestions.

5. God’s Battle by Sally Michael

128 pages | Direct Price: $16.99 $13.00 | Released: 2014

Summary: Sally Michael equips parents to teach their children about the fight of faith. In this full-color, illustrated “battle plan,” she introduces children to the state of their hearts and to the many spiritual battlegrounds within us and without. She encourages children to be fighters, giving them a biblical battle strategy to depend on God, resist the enemy, and stand strong!

6. God’s Word by Sally Michael

128 pages | Direct Price: $16.99 $13.00 | Released: 2015

Summary: This full-color illustrated primer teaches children what the Bible is, what it says, and why we can trust God’s true, powerful Word. In easy-to-understand language, children will learn important theological concepts like the authority, inspiration, infallibility, and inerrancy of Scripture. Each chapter includes discussion questions and family-friendly activities, making this book an excellent devotional for parents of young children.

Upcoming Books in This Series:

7. God’s Gospel by Jill Nelson

To be released: Fall 2015

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Our mis­sion is to serve Christ and his church by pro­duc­ing clear, engag­ing, fresh, and insight­ful appli­ca­tions of Reformed theology.

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BOOK HIGHLIGHT – The Walk by Stephen Smallman

The Walk: Steps for New and Renewed Followers of Jesus by Stephen Smallman

224 pages | Direct Price: $12.99 $10.00 | Paperback | Published: 2009

Summary:

“I want to follow Jesus, but I…

  • don’t know anything about the Bible.”
  • don’t have a Christian background.”
  • have drifted so far away, how can I start over?”
  • have no idea where to begin!”

With his years of experience in pastoral ministry, Steven Smallman ensures that you don’t need prior knowledge to begin your journey with Christ. Whether you’re a brand-new Christian or a disciple renewing your commitment, this practical, basic, step-by-step approach to discipleship will be your guide as you take your first crucial steps on the walk.

About the Author:

Smallman1

Stephen Smallman served for over forty years in pastoral ministry. He is an urban missionary serving with CityNet Ministries and is assistant pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church in Glenside, Pennsylvania. He has written multiple titles, including Beginnings: Understanding How We Experience the New Birth and 4 booklets in the Basics of the Faith series.

Stephen Smallman

What Others Say About this Book:

“This is the fruit of a lifetime of experience in ministry. I recommend this warm, practical, gospel-centered, and very useful manual on discipleship.”

Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City

“Stephen Smallman has given us a great gift with this book. It’s now the first resource I’d recommend for disciples wanting to make disciples (which should be all of us).”

– Justin Taylor, Blogger at thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor, Managing Editor of ESV Study Bible

Other Titles by Stephen Smallman:

Basics of the Faith series:

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Our mis­sion is to serve Christ and his church by pro­duc­ing clear, engag­ing, fresh, and insight­ful appli­ca­tions of Reformed theology.

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Author Interview with Glenn Kreider

This week’s author interview is with Glenn R. Kreider. He is the author of God with Us: Exploring God’s Personal Interactions with His People throughout the Bible.

Kreider_Glenn

  • Question #1 – Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you’re from, family, job, personal interests, unique hobbies, what you do in your spare time, etc.

I grew up on a dairy farm in southeastern Pennsylvania. My dad was a hard working farmer; I was lazy and unimpressed with the benefits of hard work. I did, however, excel in school. After graduation from high school, I married my high school sweetheart who increasingly has become my best friend. After several years as an insurance agent, I returned to school, completing an undergraduate degree before attending seminary where I completed a ThM and a PhD. I have had the incredible privilege of teaching theology courses for over two decades.

We have two grown children, a son in law, and the world’s cutest granddaughter (born January 2015). My wife and I enjoy traveling, reading, listening to live music, and watching good movies.

 

  • Question #2 – What inspired you to write this book, about this topic?

In God with Us, I explain how a short paragraph from a sermon changed the way I read the Bible. Cornelius Plantinga asserted that Jesus’ humility, his condescension to become human for the sake of rebellious humanity, was not some new and never-before seen action of God. Rather, Jesus was acting like his Father, doing what the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has always done. As I began to read the Bible with this insight, I began to notice divine condescension everywhere in the biblical story. I trace this theme through the canon in this book.

 

  • Question #3 – Do you have a favorite author? Who is it and why?

My doctoral research focused on Jonathan Edwards and his theological method, particularly how he read and used the Scriptures in his theology. I return to the writings of Edwards more than any other author. From Edwards’ History of the Work of Redemption, I learned to read the Bible as the story of God’s work of redemption, as salvation history. From his Religious Affections, I learned to appreciate the role of the Spirit in true spirituality. I learned how to evaluate my growth in spiritual maturity through the true signs. From Charity and Its Fruits, I learned that heaven is a world of love. From Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, I learned that God is a gracious God who desires the wicked to repent and come to him in faith.

 

  • Question #4 – Do you have a favorite movie? What is it and why?

I have a long list of favorite movies. One way to illustrate several favorites is with a favorite line from the movie.

From “Babbette’s Feast” — “There comes a time when our eyes are opened and we come to realize that mercy is infinite. We need only await it with confidence and receive it with gratitude. Mercy imposes no conditions. And lo! Everything we have chosen has been granted to us. And everything we rejected has also been granted. Yes, we even get back what we rejected. For mercy and truth have met together, and righteousness and bliss shall kiss one another.”

From “Shawshank Redemption” — “Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

From “The Village” — “She is more capable than most in this village. And she is led by love. The world moves for love. It kneels before it in awe.”

 

  • Question #5 – Do you have a favorite musical artist? What is it and why?

I have eclectic music tastes but I particularly enjoy the late Rich Mullins, Andrew Peterson, U2, and Switchfoot. What these four artists have in common is that they are people of faith who see through the brokenness and tragedy of the fallen world into the hope of the world to come. I want to learn to see what they see when I look at the world. Jonathan Edwards wrote about a new way of seeing, the spiritual sense or the sense of the heart that comes to the believer through the Holy Spirit. These four artists inspire me to see the world with spiritual eyes.

 

  • Question #6 – What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

I tend to say too much and so I tend to write too much. An editor told me one time that I needed to cut my manuscript nearly in half if he was going to be able to use it. And he told me that he would not make the cuts for me. The result was a much stronger work than it would have been otherwise. But it was painful to leave so much on the cutting room floor.

The best compliment I ever received was from a reviewer of God with Us. He wrote: “I found your writing style to be unique. The book would make for a fine resource for any scholar, but it is equally accessible to any layperson and quite uplifting for something that can be used for research.” That was my goal, to write so that scholars would find it helpful but also accessible to laypeople.

 

  • Question #7 – Favorite sport to watch? Why? Favorite sport’s team?

My dad was a baseball fan. We did not have a television so I grew up listening to Phillies games on the radio. When we moved to Texas, I became a fan of the Texas Rangers; in those days, the Rangers were not very good. In recent years, they have been much better, although we are still waiting for the first championship in Arlington. I moved to Dallas as a fan of the Cowboys; that has not changed.

 

  • Question #8 – Favorite food?

Texas BBQ; I will not name a favorite place since Texans go to war over such things.

 

  • Question #9 – Favorite animal? Why?

I am a dog person. We have rescued multiple dogs. We currently have two pugs (Mardi and Jack Bauer), a Chihuahua (Neftali), and a black Labrador Retriever named Chloe.

 

  • Question #10 – What famous person (living or dead) would you like to meet and why?

I regret that I never met Rich Mullins; I only saw him perform once. Rich’s music has deeply impacted me, especially in learning how to see God in the “fury of a pheasant’s wings.” I continue to hope that one day I will meet Bono, front man of the band U2. I have a list of questions for him but I suspect I will not remember any of them when I meet him. I am impressed by Bono’s lyrical brilliance, his musical excellence, and his concern for justice.

 

  • Question #11 – If you have a favorite book of the Bible, what is it and why?

It is dangerous to answer such a question since the Bible in its entirety is God’s word to us. But I do find myself returning to Genesis and John again and again.

 


Want to learn more about Glenn?

Follow him on Twitter: @gkreider

Visit his faculty page: http://www.dts.edu/about/faculty/gkreider/