contemplativeI was thinking today when a Christian reads the Bible it is good to have a knowledge of the History of Redemption. That is why I mentioned in one of my videos the book written by one of my seminary Professor's titled, "The Progress of Redemption: The Story Of Salvation From Creation To The New Jerusalem" by Willem VanGemeren.
A Christian should read good introductions to the Old Testament and New Testament. I mentioned these in one of my videos-
"An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical, And Thematic Approach" by Bruce K. Waltke
"New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ" by Thomas R. Schreiner
"The New Testament: A Historical and Theological Introduction" by Donald A. Hagner
"The King In His Beauty: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments" by Thomas R. Schreiner
A Christian should read Pauline (Apostle Paul) theology. Read these books as the world goes insane with violence-
"Apostle Paul: His Life and Theology" by Udo Schnelle (M. Eugene Boring, translator)
"Paul Apostle Of God's Glory In Christ: A Pauline Theology" by Thomas R. Schreiner
"Paul And The Faithfulness Of God" Parts I & II by N. T. Wright
"Paul And The Faithfulness Of God" Parts III & IV by N. T. Wright
A Christian should have a general knowledge of Church History and the History of Doctrine. I mentioned these books in my last video-
"Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years" by Diarmaid MacCulloch
"The First Thousand Years: A Global History Of Christianity" by Robert Louis Wilken
"God Has Spoken: A History Of Christian Doctrine" Gerald Bray
"Anti-Christ: Two Thousand Years Of The Human Fascination With Evil" by Bernard McGinn
When it comes to reading the Bible it is good to have a general knowledge of the history of biblical interpretation. That is why in my last video in my YouTube channel I mentioned these books-
"Reading Scripture With The Church Fathers" by Christopher A. Hall
"Worshiping With The Church Fathers" by Christopher A. Hall
"Tradition, Scripture, And Interpretation: A Sourcebook of the Ancient Church" Edited by D. H. Williams
"Reading The Old Testament With The Ancient Church: Exploring the Formation of Early Christian Thought" by Ronald E. Heine
"Reading Scripture With The Reformers" by Timothy George
Also check out this book when it comes to interpreting the Bible, "Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics: Foundations And Principles Of Evangelical Biblical Interpretation" by Graeme Goldsworthy.
It bothers me profoundly that some Christians believe understanding the Bible is extremely easy. The Lord Jesus has given to His Church people/biblical scholars to help them see/uncover the riches of God's Word/the Bible. Where is the love and delight in solid biblical scholarship among Christians these days? As Christians we are surrounded by great Christian books and sadly very few of us take the time to mine these spiritual and intellectual riches/scholarly works/books.
I am just an old retired farm hand but I find spiritual pleasure in reading and studying God's Word/the Bible in the company of Christian biblical scholars from throughout Church History, like the Ancient Church Fathers, the spiritual writers/mystics of the Middle Ages, the 16th century Reformers, the Eastern Orthodox Fathers, the 17th century Englsih Puritans, 19th and 20th century Christian scholars/ on and on the list could go.
Well, I will close to rest. Tomorrow is the last Sunday of November 2015.
"[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
[8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
[9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
[10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
[14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
[15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" Ephesians 4:7-15