Been There Read That

One of the greatest influences in becoming a "Whole Bible Christian" is the practice of Biblical Theology.  But what is Biblical Theology?  How is it defined?  What makes it distinct? How is it practiced?  Who are its advocates?  These and other important questions are answered in this week's episode.  We hope this introduction will provoke listeners to investigate a critically important area of B...

The current episode reviews David Jackman's book Why Expository Preaching and also provides a primer on why expository preaching is such an important concept.  A critique of current training and teaching methods is provided and direction for a better way is shown. Books referenced in this episode: Why Expository Preaching? by David Jackman Preaching: A Biblical Theology by Jason Meyer

 In our first episode of the year we talk Reading Goals to set for the coming year. In particular we address 12 different areas of reading to help provide Bible students with a well rounded diet. Specific Books Mentioned in Episode: Introduction to Biblical Studies by James E. Smith What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About by Jason DeRouchie According to Luke by David Gooding Love Your Go...

In this weeks episode I introduce some of my favorite reads from 2019, including my Top 5.  Here are the titles discussed:   Honorable Mentions: Genesis by Richard P. Belcher Jr. Follow the Lamb by Rob Dalrymple Family Shepherds by Vodie Bauchham Jr. Deserting the King: The Book of Judges by David Beldman (Transformative Word Series) Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes The Parables of Jes...

This week’s episode centers around a discussion of the Book of Daniel and six challenges to understanding it’s message. The six challenges include: 1. Unfamiliarity with Daniel 7-12 2. Predictive Prophecy vs. Pseudo Prophecy 3. The Identity of the Four Kingdoms of Daniel 2 &7 4. The 70 7’s of Daniel 9 5. The “shift” from Daniel 11:35 to 11:36 6. The Resurrection of Daniel 12:2&7 Authors discussed...

Today's episode contains a review of Vodie Baucham Jr.'s book Family Shepherds. Baucham's book serves as a primer on parenting with a focus on the role, work, and influence of fathers. We discuss pros, cons, strengths, weaknesses, and overall content.  Our review does not contain a full chapter-by-chapter breakdown, but it does discuss the major themes of the book. In our final assessment we give...

New Testament Surveys Today’s episode discusses New Testament Surveys on an introductory, intermediate, and advanced level. Titles and authors discussed include:   Beginner’s Level: New Testament Books Made Simple by James E. Smith (Two other volumes in this series include Old Testament History Made Simple and Old Testament Books Made Simple ) Heart of the New Testament by H. I. Hester The New Tes...

Grasping the Big Picture of the Bible is crucial to sound exegesis.  We want to challenge listeners to place yearly emphasis on reading a survey of the Bible (be it an Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, or Bible Survey) to not only aid in building their own knowledge of the Bible but to also help in teaching others the Bible's message.   Today's episode focuses exclusively on Old Testamen...

Today we discuss how people build their libraries and wind up with a lot of books that they don't read.  Beyond discussing individual books and sets found unused in most libraries we discuss issues of why the books were purchased and why they go unused.  We hope this episode will provide listeners with some insights into how to avoid making mistakes in building their libraries, challenge them to r...

Today’s episode provides a full length review of Bryan D. Estelle’s book Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy: The Gospel According to Jonah . Pick up a copy in our bookstore HERE . Along the way we discuss issues such as historical accuracy, structure, typology, parallelism, turning points, salvation, repentance, open theology, and regression. Estelle’s book brings a neglected gem into the light...

Today's episode introduces listeners to some commentaries on the Book of Exodus.  The list of commentaries discussed is by no means exhaustive, but there are some helpful points for those wishing to study this fascinating book of the Bible.  We begin with a discussion of why it is important to study Exodus, and we conclude with a specific look a J. A. Motyer's commentary on Exodus. Commentaries Re...

In todays episode I discuss some of my recent findings within the books of Revelation and Zechariah.  In Revelation 11:4 the Bible speaks of two witnesses who are represented as  two olive trees and two lampstands.  What is the meaning behind the symbolism of lampstands and olive trees?  The olive tree symbolism of Revelation 11:4 is taken from Zechariah 4, but merely acknowledging the borrowing d...

In today’s episode we discuss the pros, cons, and controversies surrounding the use of commentary sets. Should we even use commentaries? Should we only use commentaries from a church of Christ background? Are commentary sets more helpful that individual commentaries? These and other questions are address and hopefully the answers provided are helpful. Books that receive honorable mention include:...

Jamie Thomson joins today’s episode to discuss Richard P. Belcher’s commentary on Genesis from the Focus on the Bible Commentary Series. We discuss Belcher’s background, the purpose and focus of his commentary, the benefits and hang-ups of his work, and much more in this round-table discussion.   Other books mentioned in today’s episode include:   Finding Favor in the Sight of God by Richard P. Be...

Today I want to introduce my listeners to one of my favorite authors: James E. Smith.   If you are not familiar with Smith's writings it's time to get acquainted.  Smith is a prolific writer on the Old Testament who holds a high view of inspiration and conservative approach to Biblical interpretation.   Most of the books discussed in today's episode can be found in our bookstore at ChristianResear...

In Part 2 of my interview with Aaron Battey we discuss reading goals, Bible reading plans, books that have had the greatest impact on his thinking (outside the Bible), books he recommends, study helps, tips, tools, and more.  If you haven’t checked out Aaron’s website be sure to take a look @ www.fiveminutebiblestudy.com .   Books discussed this week include: I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Ath...

Young aspiring evangelist Aaron Battey (a.k.a my brother) stopped in the studio today to discuss the training he has recently undergone with two evangelists in preparation for going into the field full-time..  In particular, reading assignments and tools that he was introduced to along the way. 

Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland is a fascinating book that challenges Christians to develop their intellectual mind for the glory of God.  We provide an in-depth review of the Pros and Cons to both provoke listeners to read the book and help equip them to avoid a few pitfalls they will encounter along the way.  Other books referenced/recommended along the way include: Love Your...

What is the purpose of devotional reading?  Is devotional reading a valid practice?  Are there good materials to encourage devotional reading?  What is the main difference between devotional reading and intellectual reading?  What should be the main focus of intellectual reading? What are some good practices to follow when reading critically?  What challenges should you present to yourself when re...

Today’s episode centers around commentaries on the book of Leviticus.  While searching for a good commentary to provide a sound structure, big picture, and thorough introduction to Leviticus, Nathan discovered both positive components and problematic pitfalls in a number of commentaries.  His research ultimately lead him to what will hopefully be a worthwhile commentary to add to any library. Comm...

In this week's episode we provide a list of a "dirty dozen" dangerous authors to avoid when building your library.  Rather than merely naming the authors, we have also provided a brief discussion of the positions they hold that make them dangerous.  Our list includes: John MacArthur John Piper John Stott John Goldingay Water Bruggemann Robert Alter Hugh Ross C. John Collins Julius Wellhausen Steve...

In this week's episode we share a few more reading tips and discuss the following books that are on my current reading list: The Spirit and the Word by J. C. Holloway The Life of Christ by R. C. Foster What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About by Jason S. DeRouchie Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland Handbook to the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale From...

This week’s episode contains a review of Sam Storm’s book Kingdom Come.  We have attempted to present an unbiased view of the book while noting both its strengths and shortcomings.   Here are books that are recommended as alternative reads to particular areas of study presented within Storm’s work: An alternative view to Storm’s position on Daniel’s 70 Weeks Prophecy: Kingdom Through Covenant by P...

This week's episode centers around a discussion of books to avoid and obtain in studying the Book of Revelation.  Brother George Battey is in the process of writing his own commentary on the Book of Revelation and has done a ton of reading and research in the process.  We are thankful for his willingness to sit down with us and share some of the materials that he has found helpful. Bad Authors To...

In today’s episode we have our first guest interview. Evangelist and author Brother George Battey (my father) joins us to discuss the Book of Revelation. Brother Battey is currently writing a commentary of the Book of Revelation and shares with us some helpful historical and theological information regarding this challenging book of the Bible. Topics discussed include: The historical background of...