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Excerpt taken from Joy Beyond Agony by Jane Roach

Posted on by Kim

Here is the Introduction to Joy beyond Agony: Embracing the Cross of Christ, A Twelve-Lesson Bible Study by Jane Roach.

Introduction: Digging Deeply

As you begin this Bible study, it is helpful to set spiritual goals—daily Bible study, focused prayer, growth in knowledge, love, patience, and so on. What are your expectations for your spiritual growth and your use of your time? Write them down and refer to them daily, asking God to help you attain them.

Lurking behind our goals and best efforts are our past failures in keeping up with them. These are the kinds of things that agonize us in our Christian life.

  • We face the continuing struggle to love the unlovely people in our lives. Remembering how you have experienced God’s love when you have been unlovely is a motivation to persevere with others.
  • We groan over the lack of self-discipline in daily Bible study and prayer. Scheduling a regular short time each day will have a higher yield over time than trying to do too much. The questions in each chapter will help you begin.
  • We start our prayer list without addressing the one eternal God with praise and adoration. Our prayers focus on our felt needs rather than on our spiritual growth and the eternal good of others. Write a few short sentences that express appreciation for one attribute of God (who he is) and one act of God (what he has done through Christ). You can begin a new habit of prayer by speaking them aloud to God before presenting your needs to him. Remember to include the needs of others, perhaps presenting them to God before your own needs.
  • We find ourselves captive to empty pursuits that gobble up precious time we could have used to read, pray, write a note, make a phone call, serve God, or help others. Identify your empty pursuits and begin to replace them one by one with something that honors God and helps others.
  • We go to church expecting others to meet our needs while being oblivious to the body language and facial expressions that shout out the pain of another. We ignore the call for help with the activities of our church, begging for a later time that is more convenient. I have never found that God called me to something convenient. God calls us to die to ourselves in order to give life to others. He calls us before we think we are ready so that we will depend on him. The next time you attend church, ask God to open your eyes to see or hear about the needs of others. Trust him to help you reach out to them.
  • The guilt of secret sins and the fear of discovery or rejection may hang over us. Jesus died so that we do not have to live with guilt and fear. Admitting your guilt and fear to God is the first step toward freedom from them.
  • We may suppress the truth of our sin and think we are basically good. Yet we know the agony of wounding the spirit of another with unkind words, looks, or actions. We disrupt relationships that take a long time to restore. We hurt others by ignoring them. Confession of sin is a gift from God that provides assurance of forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9).

No matter how shameful your past, how dreadful your present, or how hopeless your future seems, there is a way to break out of the frustration of life as you know it and to live with joy and eternal purpose. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus endured the agony of his earthly life and cross by anticipating the joy of his completed work through his death, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation (Hebrews 12:1–2). We are called to follow Jesus’ example of running with endurance the race God sets before us. Although the pain and sorrow that are part of our race cannot compare to his agony, we, like Jesus, must run with our eyes fixed on the finish line. We press on, anticipating the surpassing joy of the abundant life in his kingdom today and our glorification forever.

Each lesson focuses on some aspect of Jesus’ cross that reveals the joy beyond the agony he endured for us. We will consider the gospel accounts along with Old Testament prophecies and promises and New Testament explanations and applications. Each lesson uses beautiful poetry expressed by gifted hymn writers to help us understand the cross. You can hear the tunes at www.cyberhymnal.org or YouTube.

When you read the words of “O Teach Me What It Meaneth” (Lesson 1), you understand that Lucy Bennett knew something of who Jesus was and what he did for her. She longed to know more. She wanted to plumb the depths of his person and work on the cross. Study the suggested hymn as you answer the questions. Put the ancient poetry into prose and vocabulary you can better understand. When you study Shakespeare, you read the language of his day. The same is true for hymn writers of the past who provide a great foundation on which to build. A friend recently told me that she appreciated the hymns when she began to study the Bible. She found herself exclaiming, “That’s in the Bible!”

May your study of Christ’s life in the Scripture and hymns help you to grow in your knowledge of him and his exceedingly great love for you. “O Teach Me What It Meaneth” might be your prayer as you begin each lesson and answer the questions for personal study and discussion. Writing your insights in the space provided below each question will cement them in your mind and heart. You will find deeper blessing if you complete your personal Bible study before reading the accompanying commentary. It is God’s Word, not mine, that gives life!

The Bible has many declarations about believers in relation to the cross of Christ. (When the New Testament uses “I” [or “we”] as an object of God’s redeeming love, it means one who believes, not every human being.) John wrote,

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:9–10)

Paul declared, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). The truth is that Christ lives in me. My obligation is that I no longer live by my own strength; I live by faith in the Son of God.1* As you embrace Jesus’ cross by faith, you will begin to understand the joy that is set before you now and forever. Believers in Christ are assured of his presence now and confident that we will be glorified with him in eternity. This hope provides purpose, strength, and comfort for the agony of sorrow and suffering we may encounter.

1* See Steve Green, “Embrace the Cross,” on A Journey of Faith: Steve Green Live in Concert, Steve Green Ministries, Inc., 2012, compact disc.

Excerpt taken from Joy beyond Agony: Embracing the Cross of Christ, A Twelve-Lesson Bible Study by Jane Roach, pages 15-19, copyright 2015, P&R Publishing.

BOOK HIGHLIGHT – Singing and Making Music by Paul S. Jones

Posted on by Kim

Singing and Making Music: Issues in Church Music Today by Paul S. Jones

328 pages | List Price: $16.99 | Paperback

Summary

  • Criteria for good church music
  • King David’s praise team
  • Instruments in worship
  • Sacred music as prayer
  • Luther and bar song
  • What happened to hymns?
  • Should church musicians be paid?
  • J. S. Bach and musical hermeneutics

These are some of the topics addressed in this book of 32 thought-provoking essays on church music. Paul S. Jones, Organist and Music Director at historic Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, provides biblical reasoning and practical wisdom concerning the purpose and practice of church music.

Endorsements

“Constructively provocative, learned, and commonsensical, this volume is a treasure trove for pastors, church musicians, and Christians who want to build a biblical theology of music and worship, as well as address the most pressing issues of today’s ‘worship wars’ positively and pastorally.”

—J. Ligon Duncan III

“A wonderfully skilled musician, Dr. Jones combines keen theological insights with fascinating historical background. This book will help Christians to rethink worship— and to recover its authentic splendor.”

 —R. Albert Mohler Jr.

“Such high academic qualifi cations and such refi ned artistic taste are rarely found together in one person. This book gives us insight into the genius of his Christian witness in one of the music centers of our nation.”

—Hughes Oliphant Old

“A fresh and passionate guide to the spiritual fabric of musical sound and sound theology. Pastors, teachers, and musicians will grow in wisdom and worship as they reflect on this study.”

—Peter A. Lillback

“The church in every generation needs to be reminded that true praise begins with God and his glory, and not man and his need. Paul Jones sounds this note loud and clear in what is a very helpful book.”

—Alistair Begg

About the Author

Paul S. Jones (DM, Indiana University) is president of Paul Jones Music, Inc. and the composer or arranger of more than seventy sacred works. He was the music director at the historic Tenth Presbyterian Church for seventeen years.

 

 

Excerpt taken from Severe Compassion: The Gospel According to Nahum

Posted on by Kim

Here is an excerpt taken from our new release, Severe Compassion: The Gospel According to Nahum by Gregory D. Cook.

AN ORACLE CONCERNING NINEVEH

The first words of Nahum identify the book as an oracle. Nahum uses a Hebrew word that refers to a specific type, or genre, of prophecy. All the prophetic passages described as oracles declare the historical fulfillment of previous prophecies. Since the first verse describes the entire book as an oracle, we know that Nahum’s words will declare the fulfillment of promises spoken by earlier prophets.

The next two words establish the subject of this prophecy. The book concerns Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. Nineveh had not always been Assyria’s capital. For most of Assyria’s history, the city of Asshur filled this role. Nineveh was an ancient city mentioned in Genesis 10:11, but it had limited importance to Assyria for most of its history. Then a series of unexpected events changed the fate of Nineveh, making it the most formidable and feared city in the world for a brief period of time. First, Sargon II usurped the Assyrian throne from Shalmaneser V in 722 B.C. He proceeded to build a new capital in Dur-Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad) to consolidate his power. Second, Sargon died in battle. Since Assyrian kings rarely died in battle, this was seen as an evil omen. What compounded this disaster in the eyes of the Assyrians was that they believed his unburied spirit would haunt Dur-Sharrukin. This led to the third event. Sargon’s son, Sennacherib, lost no time in establishing a new capital in Nineveh. In doing so, he greatly expanded and built up the city—using Israelite slaves and money. This ancient city devoted to the goddess Ishtar soon became the largest and most ostentatious city in the world. As rapidly as it had arisen, it would fall even more quickly—due to a prophet.

A VISION

The introductory verse also describes Nahum’s oracle as “the book of the vision.” The word “book” suggests that the book of Nahum originated as a written document rather than as a spoken message. The description “vision” explains why the scenes are so vivid. Apparently Nahum actually saw the events he described. The phrase “the book of the vision” puts Nahum in the same class as Revelation. John said that a loud voice told him, “‘Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.’ Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands” (Rev. 1:11–12). Like John, Nahum recorded events that he had seen in his mind, but which had not yet happened in history.

INTRODUCING THE PROPHET

The final words of Nahum 1:1 introduce our prophet. We know nothing about Nahum except for his name, hometown, and time period. In the Bible, names have purpose. The name-giver prophesied the outcome of the person’s life. Some examples of this include Abraham (“father of many nations”), Peter (“rock”), and Jesus (“salvation”). Nahum’s name means “comfort” or “compassion.” His name strikes people as either fitting or ironic, depending on the perspective of the interpreter. Many people consider the name appropriate because his message brought relief to those who had suffered the brutality of Assyria. Others note the violent language in the book and suggest that Nahum’s parents misnamed him. We will see later that Nahum’s name fits this book in a number of ways, but the compassion proclaimed in the book does not conform to our expectations.

Nahum spoke a message of compassion, yet he hailed from Elkosh, a town named for God’s hardness. The word Elkosh means “God is severe.” We do not know this town’s location. There are many theories. For instance, it has been suggested that Elkosh was renamed Capernaum when later inhabitants wanted to identify it as the hometown of Nahum. None of the theories regarding Elkosh’s location have strong evidence to support them. We may conclude, however, that the town endured a catastrophe attributed to God’s chastisement. The words “Nahum of Elkosh” form a fitting theological introduction to this book, which unites God’s compassion and his severity.

We also know that Nahum’s life experiences included suffering under the most malicious king in Assyria’s history and the most atrocious king in the Davidic line. Unlike many Old Testament books, we can easily establish a range of possible dates for the book of Nahum. The discussion of Nahum’s date will wait until chapter 5, but the entire range of possible dates falls during the reign of Ashurbanipal (668–627 B.C.). For reasons to be discussed later, Ashurbanipal has the dubious distinction of being the most vicious king in a long line of evil Assyrian rulers. Nahum also lived in the period of King Manasseh of Judah, who reigned approximately from 697 to 642 B.C. (2 Kings 21:1–18; 2 Chron. 33:1–20). Manasseh’s gross wickedness against God and his subjects reached unthinkable levels. Nahum no doubt witnessed abominable deeds practiced by foreigners and kinsmen alike.

Excerpt taken from pages 3-6, Severe Compassion: The Gospel According to Nahum by Gregory D. Cook, copyright 2016, P&R Publishing.

NEW RELEASE – Severe Compassion: The Gospel According to Nahum by Gregory D. Cook

Posted on by Kim

Severe Compassion: The Gospel According to Nahum by Gregory D. Cook

256 pages | List Price: $14.99 | Paperback | Gospel According to the Old Testament series

Summary

With dramatic, vivid detail, the poetic masterpiece of Nahum shows that God refuses to abandon his rebellious people when they stray into destructive paths—instead responding to spiritual adultery with love and power. The application to our own lives may hit close to home, but there is also abundant gospel hope: Jesus’ severe compassion leads him to relentlessly pursue his people for their salvation.

As he explores the prophet’s message, Gregory Cook aids our understanding of Nahum with historical background on its cultural references, literary allusions, and poetic devices, making this book a useful resource for pastors and Bible study leaders as well as laypeople.

Endorsements

“Greg . . . has done the hard work of digging into the Hebrew text; he has gleaned insights from scholars and learned about the world and time in which Nahum wrote; he has sat with and listened carefully and humbly to the text; he has seen and appreciated how it speaks about and points to Jesus.”

—Elizabeth Groves, Lecturer in Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary

About the Author

Gregory D. Cook (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) has been the pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church (PCA) in West Virginia and the youth and college pastor at Evangelical Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Delaware.

What do People Say About THIS SERIES?

“Written at a thoughtful but popular level.” —D. A. Carson

“Like manna in the desert.” —Sinclair Ferguson

“A tremendous resource.” —Tim Keller

“An important series.” —Philip Graham Ryken

 

Author Interview – Douglas Sean O’Donnell

Posted on by Kim

We have another author interview this week with Douglas Sean O’Donnell. He is the author of 3 P&R titles.

ODonnell_bw

  

  • Question #1 – Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you’re from, family, job, etc.

I was born and raised in Chicago. I’m married to Emily. We have five children—Sean, Lily, Evelyn, Simeon, and Charlotte. We moved to Brisbane, Australia two years ago. I’m the “Friends of QTC” Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Practical Theology at Queensland Theological College. For the biblical studies part of my job, I teach the wisdom literature and Gospels; and for the practical theology I lecture on worship and lead preaching workshops.

 

  • Question #2 – If you have a favorite book of the Bible, what is it and why?

It’s a toss-up between Job and Matthew, both for their literary and theological artistry and depth.

 

  • Question #3 – What books have your written?

I have written or edited nearly a dozen books, three with P&R: God’s Lyrics: Rediscovering Worship through Old Testament Songs, along with Ecclesiastes and 1—3 John in the Reformed Expository Commentary series.

 

  • Question #4 – Which writers inspire you?

Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Donne, Herbert, Spurgeon, Chesterton, along with some living authors, including Kent Hughes and Dale Bruner. I also gain inspiration from American poets like Billy Collins and Mary Oliver.

 

  • Question #5 – Which books are you reading now?

Dan Block’s For the Glory of God, Michael Holmes’s translation of the Apostolic Fathers, and lots of books on the Gospel of Matthew.

 

  • Question #6 – What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

To be a writer you need sitzfleisch, that is, you need the ability “to sit” (sitzen) on your “flesh” (fleisch). Pray for it! If God doesn’t grant it, don’t stress. “Of making many books there is no end” (Eccles. 12:12). Plus, there are already enough authors out there. People can always spend a lifetime plowing through Aquinas, Calvin, and Barth (and if there is any time left, all the puritans).

 

  • Question #7 – Any advice on overcoming writer’s block?

Time, place, movement, and rest. First, I recommend writing at your best times of day. For me that is morning and right after dinner. Second, find a place that is your writing “desk.” Third, if nothing is coming to mind or flowing from your pen, take a walk. Walking helps me think. Fourth, it is okay to take a day off. Move to Australia. Go to the beach. Then write.

 

  • Question #8 – Do you have an interesting writing quirk?

Four thoughts come to mind. First, I wrote all my books with my left hand. Second, I listen to Thriller whenever I write on Sundays. Third, I have four trained monkeys who translate the Hebrew for me. Fourth, I always lie when asked about interesting writing quirks.

 

  • Question #9 – Favorite sport to watch? Why? Favorite sport’s team?

I like college football (Notre Dame) and basketball (Big Ten, especially the Illinois teams), along with the NBA (Da Bulls, and this year’s Warriors team—I had Steve Kerr as a camp counselor and Curry and Clay are the best shooters [forgive me Larry Bird] I have ever seen).

 

  • Question #10 – Living in Australia, what American food to you miss/crave?

Portillo’s hot dogs. Mustard. Pickle. Tomato. Celery salt.

 

  • Question #11 – Favorite animal? Why?

I’m allergic to both dogs and cats. So not them! I love Geckos! They are everywhere in Brisbane. They don’t bother people. They make strange noises. And they eat live bugs, which is fun to watch.