Proclaimer Blog
A book I really like
Every now and again it's good to read books you really agree with. I don't think it's always a good idea, but it's good to be reminded that you're not a total goofhead and that some things you hold dear and feel passionate about are probably right.
This is one of those books. It's called The most misused verses in the Bible and is by Eric Bargerhuff, published by Bethany House. That does mean it is not too easy to get hold of in the UK – though Amazon and the Book Depository already have it – perhaps others will follow?
There are 19 short chapters focusing on 17 of the most misused verses in the Bible – how they are mistreated and what they actually mean. It's essentially a lesson in understanding the Bible well in the context in which it was written. As such, it ticks two useful boxes:
- First, it demolishes some shibboleths. I agreed with Eric's assessment of every one save James 5, where I'm more inclined to go along with Doug Moo in his little Tyndale guide.
- Second, it establishes a wonderful paradigm for understanding Scripture correctly. It's not just – in other words – here's not how to do it, but here's how to do it.
It's written at a popular level and would be useful for church members, small group leaders, Sunday School teachers and so on. Pretty much everyone really. Brilliant. And I'm not a complete goofhead. Here's the complete list:
- Matthew 7.1
- Jeremiah 29.11-13
- Matthew 18.20
- John 14.13-14
- Romans 8.28
- 2 Chronicles 7.14
- Colossians 1.15
- 1 Timothy 6.10
- 1 Corinthians 10.13
- Proverbs 22.6
- Philippians 4.13
- Exodus 21.23
- James 5.15
- Acts 2.38
- Proverbs 4.23
- Proverbs 29.18
- John 12.32