Books by "Dr. Ben Witherington III"
4 books found
A passionate call for theological thinking that challenges our intellect, enriches our faith, kindles our heart, and infuses our daily life. The assumption in much of the church is that theology is an obstacle to a vital, growing faith, not an aid to it. In fact, everyone is a theologian--either a good one or a bad one. So what are the advantages of thinking intentionally about matters of theology and how they can guide, inform, and nourish our faith? What are the components of good thinking and what are some ways we can cultivate it? As the contributors to this volume make clear, theology is for everyday and every person, as all are called to be thoughtful followers of Jesus. They make the case for how a living, thoughtful faith and how learning to think about God can launch your faith and make it powerful and alive.This engaging volume will help lay people, incoming college students, and prospective seminarians understand that vital faith is as much about our mind as it is about a warm heart. "Cultivating a Thoughtful Faith challenges the intellect while touching the heart. It advances our understanding of how to love God with all our minds. We in Christian higher education celebrate this contribution to a deeper understanding of our calling." --- Robert C. Andringa, President, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Washington, D.C. "Rather than reserving theology for a classroom or Sunday morning discussion, these essays challenge the reader to make sure that theology engages the imagination and the intellect, the heart and the mind. The writers remind us that a thoughtful faith compels us to change the world by transforming our daily lives from the inside out." --- Barbara Oliver Korner, Associate Dean, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. Edited by Maxie Dunnam and Steve Moore (Essays by Paul W. Chilcote, Maxie D. Dunnam, Steve Harper, George G. Hunter III, Steve G. W. Moore, Howard A. Snyder, and Ben Witherington III) Maxie Dunnam is the Chancellor of Asbury Theological Seminary, and formerly served as the fifth President of the Seminary (1994-2004). His many books include The Workbook of Living Prayer, Staying the Course, and the forthcoming Praying the Story. Steve Moore, a well-known leader in Christian higher education and spiritual formation, is the Senior Vice President of Asbury Theological Seminary and the President of the Asbury Foundation for Theological Education. He is the author of College 101: A Guide to Getting the Most Out of College. Paul Chilcote is Professor Historical Theology and Wesleyan Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. His recent works include Her Own Story and The Wesleyan Tradition. Steve Harper is the Vice President of the Florida campus of Asbury Theological Seminary (Orlando), and teaches spiritual formation and Wesleyan studies. He has written Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition. George Hunter is Distinguished Professor of Communications and Evangelism, and formerly Dean of the E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary. His books include How To Reach Secular People (1992), Church for the Unchurched (1996), The Celtic Way of Evangelism (2000), and Radical Outreach (2003), all from Abingdon Press. Howard Snyder is Professor of the History and Theology of Mission at the E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has written Decoding the Church: Mapping the DNA of Christ's Body. Ben Witherington III is Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. A much sought-after speaker and prolific author, his recent work includes The Brother of Jesus.
Jesus Christ presents Himself in various roles in the New Testament. Each chapter of this book looks at one aspect of His revelation to humanity and helps the reader prayerfully reflect on the meaning of that role in an individual's life. The first chapter relates to His role as a friend. Someone who is truly concerned for the welfare of another is a friend to be desired. There is a reason He referred to Himself as a friend in relating to His closest followers. The reflection questions at the end of the chapter provide the tools for examining this role in the life of the individual. Other roles such as Wonderful Counselor, Good Shepherd, and Great High Priest are treated similarly. The concluding chapter has to do with the ultimate question each person must face, death. Jesus Christ is the way to eternal life--in fact, the only way. This chapter looks at the parallel between the materialists of the generation when Jesus was in physical form on the earth and how that same mindset persists today, robbing people of receiving the gift of eternal life He has purchased and offers freely.
The Apostle John tells his readers, he has an important message to tell them. It is about a person who was already there before the beginning of the world. We heard him speak. We’ve seen Him with our own eyes. We watched Him and we touched Him. He is the Word that gives us life with God. This is the message: God is completely good and pure. He is like light. There is nothing dark about Him. Amazingly, John tells us that one of the things Jesus wanted us to understand is that by loving others we love God. Yes, we do make mistakes and so do other believers but we are not to hold that against them because just as we were given forgiveness by God’s mercy and grace since we are in union with His Son, so can they. What we are not to do is claim access to this privilege but then live like those in the world. Our goal is not just life, but eternal life. After all, we are God’s children and no child of God keeps on sinning after they are born again through Jesus the Anointed One.
This book was written to help all born-again Christians to believe that Eternal Life begins in our present life on earth and continue on into the World of Eternity. It is designed to impress on the minds of all humankind that those who are considered their enemies, will respond and repay them in kindness as a friend. Accordingly, the chosen subject, The Road to Eternal Life, was selected in order to broaden my knowledge and understanding of Christian believers concepts as to why Eternal Life can be lived in our present day journey on earth, and it is a viable truth in Gods plan of salvation. Also, this research is devoted to find out what concepts theories, and beliefs already exist in this area. In addition, my goal was to read and understand the history why Jesus Christs teachings are the Way, the Truth, and Everlasting Life for all who repent of sins and believe His Gospel. In addition, my purpose is with the intent to gain a new perspective and pursue efforts to add new thoughts and ideas and to strengthen prior ones in relation to the Kingdom of God which concerns the future and the End of Time. Furthermore, to pursue efforts in detailed reviews of other book data that contain ideas, concepts, and key theories of biblical opinions of Gods Eternal Life Plan... Then analyze and evaluate these sources information and evidence used in their conclusion. Likewise, consider the values of other source ideas, theories, concepts, practices that are useful in todays religious culture. Similarly, there is the desire to pursue creative innovations efforts which set forth new theories never before revealed on the subject of Eternal Life. In addition, my efforts are directed to provide accepted meaning, and strength, and theories that already exist. Likewise, the primary design of this research is: (1). to determine what claims are made by major sources in traditional work, (2). to determine if these prior sources actually report viable data, and evaluate and assess the validity of their arguments given for rejection/acceptance of Eternal Life, (3). to determine what ideas, theories, and practices are based on inductive and deductive practices.