50 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know

50 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know

ISBN-13: 9781496481948
14 pages
Publisher: Rose Publishing
Released: June 6, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Amen! We often end our prayers with this ancient Hebrew word, but what does it really mean? Shalom, another common Hebrew word, is usually translated as “peace,” yet it infers so much more! 50 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know is a treasure trove of information that helps readers explore the Hebrew meaning of important words in the Old Testament. Straightforward and accessible, this reference pamphlet and Bible-study aid offers the basics in each English transliteration and Hebrew spelling, a key Scripture, pronunciation and definition, a short explanation, and relevant Scripture references.

Sharpen your Bible knowledge by mining interesting facts and fresh, nuanced meanings that we often miss in our English translations. The compact pamphlet format is perfect for tucking into your Bible or sharing with your Bible study companions.

Enjoy having an easy-to-use Bible reference source you can carry with you or hand to a friend. Learn how to pronounce, define, and understand Hebrew words like: Amen (surely, so be it, etc.)
Halal (praise, boast)
Ruach (spirit, breath, wind)
Satan (adversary, opponent, and more)
YHWH (personal name of God)


Includes 6 full-color charts with easy-to-read headers and summaries that are designed to help you find all the information you need at a glance.


My Review:
This is basically a chart format containing 50 common Hebrew words. The first column is the English transliteration of the Hebrew word (listed in alphabetical order), how to pronounce it, and the word in Hebrew. The second column is a brief definition of the word. The third column is one verse where the word is used and under that are a few more Scripture references for the word that you can look up. The final column provides insights: basically a paragraph-long word study on how it's used in the Bible and related words that might provide deeper understanding. This isn't an in-depth study on these words or even devotional-style insights as it's too brief. But it is a beginning point for some word studies and a quick way to learn a bit more about these common words.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Justification by Thomas R. Schreiner

Justification
by Thomas R. Schreiner

ISBN-13: 9781433575730
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Crossway
Released: June 6, 2023

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When we see the fallenness of the world, it is often challenging to understand how sinners can stand before a holy God, but the gospel gives hope―justification that comes through Jesus Christ. This doctrine is essential to the gospel but has sparked countless academic and theological disagreements throughout church history, even contributing to the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century.

Thomas R. Schreiner examines the biblical and historical background of the doctrine of justification. Schreiner explores it throughout church history and analyzes both the Old and New Testament teachings. By examining the relationship between justification and other doctrines of salvation―such as redemption, reconciliation, adoption, and sanctification―Schreiner shows how it gives peace, assurance, and joy to sinners through Jesus and hope for life today.

Designed to be short and approachable, this text is an ideal resource for college students, pastors, and thoughtful laypeople.


My Review:
Justification searches throughout the whole Bible to explore what is said about justification. This is somewhat more academic in tone, but it's not difficult to follow his points. His basic premise is that we shouldn't limit ourselves to a word study on "justification" but should also look for where the concept is discussed, both in the Old and New Testament. This book isn't intended to show every example but simply shows that the concept is present throughout and what is meant by "justification." He also talked about how various Christians talked about justification during the early church period. I felt that the author clearly made his points and convinced me of his points. Overall, I'd recommend this book to Christians who want a better understanding of what justification means.

The author shows that "justification through faith alone by grace alone is not restricted to Paul, nor did it begin with Paul" (from page 41). He also demonstrated that "...it has to do with the law court, that it means that God as the judge declares sinners to be not guilty. The word 'justify' doesn't mean 'make righteous' but 'declare righteous'" (from page 73).

Also, from page 71, "All [people] sin, and thus no one can put God in their debt. No one faithfully serves God by their labor. Thus, the only hope is for God to justify the ungodly, and he does so for those who put their faith in Christ Jesus, and Jesus's atoning death satisfies God's justice and holiness. Justification is a gift, but it is based on Christ's sacrifice where he takes the wrath of God on himself for our sake and our salvation (Rom. 3:25-26)....If righteousness is obtained through keeping the law, then salvation is no longer based on God's promise and faith is emptied of its significance and distinctiveness....Works call attention to what human beings achieve, but faith looks to what God in Christ has done....Righteousness doesn't come by achieving but believing, not by doing but by resting in God's promises, not by performing but by trusting in Christ."


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Worthy by Sinclair B. Ferguson

Worthy: Living in Light of the Gospel
by Sinclair B. Ferguson

ISBN-13: 9781433583179
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Crossway
Released: May 3, 2023

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
While Jesus offers forgiveness for believers who sin, Scripture makes it clear that Christians are to pursue obedience and holiness. So what does it mean to walk in a manner that’s “worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27), and how should that look in the life of a Christ follower?

In this short, accessible guide, theologian Sinclair Ferguson explains the importance of living worthy of the gospel, why the principle is often forgotten, and how it’s cultivated. Clarifying the difference between biblical obedience and legalism, Ferguson exhorts believers to pursue Christlikeness, offering practical examples from Scripture.


My Review:
Worthy talked about how we live in response to the good news of the gospel. From page 3, "So the gospel teaches us we are unworthy. We are saved by grace, not by worth. Yet Paul prioritized our responsibility to live in a worthy manner" (page 3).

The author started by explaining why this doesn't mean legalism and that the original word translated "worthy" in Phil. 1:27 means "in keeping with." "Such a life takes on a character that reflects the character of the Lord Jesus Christ" (page 8). And "...knowing Christ as Savior and knowing him as Lord can never be separated; nor can justification and sanctification" (page 7). He talked about how people in the USA hear his Scottish accent and know he's not from around here. Likewise, "...their real citizenship was in the kingdom of God; they should live that out....and if they did, people...would find themselves asking: 'Where are you really from? There's something about you...'" (page 13).

He also looked at Greek grammar and showed how we often get the fact and the command backwards. In the Bible, we're given a fact and the command flows from that fact. Not 'do your best' (command) leading to 'then God will save you' (fact) but the fact that "'Christ died for our sins' (1 Cor. 15:3), leads to the command, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved' (Acts 16.31)" from page 25. Anyway, I found that part very interesting and not difficult to follow, though it's hard to summarize. Overall, I found it very easy to follow the points that the author was making, and it's in a conversational tone. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in pursuing Christlikeness.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.