Recommended Books: Bible Study

Recommended Books

Bible Study Reference Books

If you are serious about getting answers to some of your questions about the Bible or particular doctrinal issues, these books, which can be ordered through Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, or a local Christian bookstore, will take you beyond the popular devotional reading.

Spirit and Power: Foundations of Pentacostal Experience
William W. and Robert P.Menzies

This book is a fresh, scholarly, and definitive look at what Pentecostals believe and why. Spirit and Power provides a cutting-edge look at Pentecostal theology. Theologians William and Robert Menzies explore Pentecostalism in a scholarly and current light. Spirit and Power is a fresh and penetrating look at the whys and wherefores of Pentecostal doctrine that sets a new standard for Spirit-filled theology. Whatever your persuasion may be as a Christian, this book's thoughtfulness, balance, and biblical integrity will help you appreciate more fully the strengths of the Pentecostal stance.

Laying the groundwork for an accurate understanding of Luke's writings in particular, the authors help you grasp the foundations of Pentecostal theology from the standpoints of history, hermeneutics, and exegesis.

The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke
Roger Stronstad

In recent years, considerable scholarly discussion has occurred regarding the meaning of the Holy Spirit's activity in Luke-Acts. The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke represents a new and fresh approach to this important issue.

At the crux of the controversy is the interpretation of the phrases "baptism in the Holy Spirit" and "filled with the Spirit" as used in Luke-Acts. Roger Stronstad argues that, in an effort to harmonize Lukan and Pauline theology of the Holy Spirit, Luke's charismatic emphases have been improperly forced into a mold.

Stronstad offers a cogent and thought-provoking study of Luke as a charismatic theologian, whose understanding of the Spirit shaped wholly his understanding of Jesus and of the nature of the Early Church.

Life In The Son: A Study of the Doctrine of Perseverance
Robert Shank

Internationally known among Bible scholars for his significant books in the field of biblical theology, Dr. Robert Shank here offers a penetrating study of all the pertinent New Testament Scriptures on the doctrine of perseverance. In doing so, he calls into question the popular doctrine of "eternal [unconditional] security."

Are the proof passages used to support eternal security possibly misconstrued? Dr. Shank convincingly argues that the question confronting us is not, Is the believer secure? but rather, What does it mean to be a believer? If apostasy is an actual peril for every Christian, the Scriptural warning passages must be frankly accepted rather than interpreted into irrelevance or circumvented by theological hypothesis.

Elect In The Son: A Study of the Doctrine of Election
Robert Shank

In this comprehensive treatment of all pertinent Scripture passages dealing with election, Dr. Shank demonstrates that Calvin's doctrine of the unconditional election and the reprobation of particular people is without foundation in the Scriptures. He challenges the use of certain "proof passages" and shows that their application in this manner requires circumventing some of the most explicitly categorical affirmations of Scripture.

Dr. Shank demonstrates that the election of grace does not rule out the salvation of any man, that God truly wills all men to be saved. The cross is seen as the focal point of election and the event in which time and eternity find their true perspective.

The Purpose of Temptation: Turning Trials into Triumph
Bob Mumford
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The Purpose of Temptation is a clear, penetrating perspective of temptation, not as something to be avoided but as an integral part of God's plan. Bob explains the "Law of the Four Ps," which states that God gives us a: Promise Linked to a Principal Followed by a Problem Leading to a Provision. Temptation is the point at which a person decides whether or not to obey God's Word and receive the consequent provision. Every promise in the Bible has conditions which tell us how a promise is to be fulfilled. Only under these prescribed conditions can the promise become reality. In this book, Bob shows us how to make our biblical promises become reality.

Take Another Look At Guidance: Proven Methods To Help You Sail Through Life's Difficult Choices
Bob Mumford
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Take Another Look at Guidance provides biblically-based counsel about how to find and follow God's guiding path through life. That counsel has proven sound for the more than 20 years this book has been in print. Some of the chapter titles are: Luck or Happenstance? Knowing the Will of God; The Holy Spirit Speaks; and Signs and Fleeces. You will also learn about the three harbor lights of Guidance: Word of God; Holy Spirit; Circumstances.