Teaching the Bible Series (12 vols.)

During the period that Isaiah the prophet lived there was immense political upheaval across the ancient Near East. The people of God had a choice: to follow their own human policies or to follow the promises of God. They chose to be unfaithful, so the prophet broke in and called them to repent, asking them to stop violating the covenant. This is a message today’s Christians can identify with and learn from. Teaching Isaiah is not just another commentary, but a useful resource for anyone communicating a message of grace when speaking from the book of Isaiah. Sections on background, structure, key points, and application guide you in crafting your lesson or sermon.

Having first outlined a number of possible approaches to constructing a series of sermons or talks on Amos, Fyall unlocks the text based on a suggested structure of nine sermons or talks. Individual chapters are specifically geared towards working from text to sermon, combining rigorous exposition with relevant application, always with an eye to the main teaching point of the passage.

This volume will not only serve as a powerful teaching tool on Amos, but will also be as a timely reminder of the striking relevance of the prophet’s message for today. Dr. Bob Fyall, the author of numerous books, brings his particular passion for expounding on Old Testament truths to bear on the message of Amos.

Matthew’s Gospel is a substantial book to consider teaching through as a whole. With large teaching excurses and expansive theological reflection seeming to predominate over the action of the story, it may seem daunting to the preacher, compared to the relative brevity and flowing action of Mark. But precisely because there are such rich seams of theology, and so much teaching from the mouth of the Lord Jesus himself, it is a wonderful treasure-trove for the Bible student. Moreover, as a way of explaining the message of the New Testament gospel so as to open up to the hearer a sense of its continuity with the whole Old Testament, and its fulfillment of all God’s covenant promises from the beginning of time in Jesus Christ, teaching Matthew could hardly be bettered.

This book is designed to help and encourage Bible teachers, and stimulate study with a view to teaching Matthew’s message. Though principally aimed at preachers who are preparing expository sermons, the hope is that Bible teachers in a variety of settings—as well as those simply reading Matthew for themselves—will gain help from the approach.

For any Bible student and for preachers in particular, John’s Gospel is an inexhaustible treasure house. Throughout years of ministry, preachers will find themselves returning to it time and time again in order to proclaim its wonderful truths. This book is designed to help and encourage Bible teachers of all kinds, but principally preachers who are preparing expository sermon series on books of the Bible, in rediscovering the spiritual riches that are in John’s wonderful writing.

Teaching Acts is a welcome addition to the Teaching the Bible series. Acts is a tough book to teach, but vital to the church in every generation, and David Cook’s writings on this book are outstanding. While very useful for preachers, the book is also aimed at enabling youth workers and small group study leaders have the confidence they need to teach biblical principles and doctrine. Teaching Acts takes the book of the Acts of the Apostles and enables the leader to explain the context of the early formative days of the church and the application of practical theology to specific situations that still affect the church today.

Teaching Romans, Vol. 1 is divided into three sections, the first containing introductory materials on the text of Romans. Sections two and three work systematically through a suggested preaching or Bible study series on Romans 1-8. Preaching outlines and Bible study questions are included for each passage.

This second volume on Romans discusses Romans 9–16. Written in the same vein as Teaching Romans, Vol. 1, it also contains preaching outlines, Bible study questions, and astute observations on the latter half of Paul’s epistle to the Romans.

In an increasingly materialistic age, it can be difficult to remember who we are and what we value. Our identity, Ephesians tells us, can only be found in Christ. The spiritual blessings that we receive can only be found in him. We are chosen and raised in him. We form together to be the church in him. Ephesians paints a glorious picture of who we are and what the church is meant to be as we seek to teach others these timeless truths. Whether you are a small group leader, preacher, or a youth worker, this volume will help you to communicate the message from Ephesians.

Timothy from Lystra was known as the “son” of Paul the Apostle, and as his apprentice, was to learn the ways of the faith from him. Timothy was later sent to Ephesus to serve as Paul’s representative. The Ephesians had lost their focus on the message of the gospel; they were materialistic and their lives were marked by ungodly living. Timothy’s task was to call them back to the cross, to remind them what Jesus Christ had done for them, and to set their sights on Christ’s future return. Until then, they were to live holy lives. This book prepares you to teach 1 Timothy, showing how we can navigate a godly life even in today’s culture.

Teaching 1 Peter looks at the first letter from the apostle to a primarily gentile audience scattered around Asia Minor. Angus MacLeay explains the context of this letter and its relevance in a contemporary setting where Christians are surrounded by a pagan culture. He also suggests practical theological applications for specific situations that still affect the church today. This book is a useful tool for anyone teaching the book of 1 Peter.

The Holy Spirit has worked in the lives of believers since creation. He has been bringing people to repentance, comforting the broken-hearted, guiding the faithful and helping Christians to pray. The story of the church is his story too. Despite this pivotal role, there is much debate in the church over the nature of his activity in our lives. This book clarifies the Holy Spirit’s character and work, enabling the person leading a bible study or preaching to teach authoritatively about him: maintaining a healthy, vibrant church that honors God in unity—in spirit and truth. David Jackman has produced a work that will be of immense help to Christians who seek to gain more of an understanding of how the Holy Spirit moves in our lives.

This is a book for Bible teachers, about dealing with what are often regarded as difficult and controversial areas of Scripture and therefore have tended to be avoided or ignored. It is not a comprehensive survey of all the issues bound up in the study of biblical eschatology, nor does it seek to answer the many tantalizing questions the subject matter raises for our curiosity. This is a practical book, to stimulate Bible teachers to want to teach the Christian hope, and to give a few preliminary suggestions and ideas about how one might go about it. As such, it may prove helpful not only to pulpit preachers, but also to Bible-study group leaders, youth workers and even Sunday-school teachers, for teaching about eschatology is certainly underrepresented in many of our programs, across the strata of contemporary evangelical church life.

There are six major themes connected with the Christian hope in the future. Each chapter uses one or two key passages that explain one of the major themes of eschatology and then covers the main elements that need to be answered within that theme.