Annotated Bibliography

Theological Books

Brown, Shane. The Supernatural Alignment of the Church. California: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012.

The Supernatural Alignment of the church informs and calls the church to attention in order to walk in its full authority and the anointing in Christ. Pastor Brown delineates the detailed look into many controversial and downplayed subjects of the Christian faith that gives clarity to believer who has ear to hear, and will put the believer into the position to be ready for the glorification and rapture of the Church.[1] Indeed this book is inspirational and cautions believer the danger of entering into the state of apostasy.

Bartholomew, Craig G. Old Testament Wisdom Literature: A Theological Introduction. Cambridge: IVP Academic, 2018.

The Old Testament Wisdom Literature provides an informed introduction to the Old Testament wisdom books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. Establishing the books in the context of Ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions and literature, the author moves beyond the scope of typical introductions to discuss the theological and hermeneutics implication of the literature.[2] This book supplements hermeneutical addition to the Pastor’s library and therefore enriches him in the area of Biblical interpretation of the wisdom books mentioned above.

Harris, R Laird, Archer, Gleason L, and Waltke Bruce. Theological Workbook of the Old Testament: Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2003.

This extensive scholarly work comprises of discussions of every Hebrew words of theological importance in the Old Testament including the brief definitions of all other words from the Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Hebrew Lexicon, keyed to Strong’s Concordance, the theological workbook of the Old Testament has been a long time favorite of serious students of the Bible Pastors and lay people alike.[3] This book indeed is a good resource for both theological works and Bible studies when it comes to Biblical languages mastery and among others with reference to Biblical research.

Ridges, David J. Your study of the Old Testament Made Easier Box Set. Utah: Cedar Fort, 2017.

Sometimes our scriptural study is not always as productive as we would like it to be. The Old Testament Made Easier Boxed Set (part 1, 2, and 3) is the perfect study companion one would want to have. It is the complete text of the Old Testament that includes valuable study guide containing in-the- verse notes and additional insights and commentary. The book is the good resource for Bible studies and the preaching ministry for pastors. It is a simplified version written to the comprehension of an average or lay people in the house of God. Indeed it is a valuable resource that enriches its reader during study time especially the believer who loves reading the word of God or religious book of such.[4]

Ridges, David J. Your Study of the Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier Part One, Two, and Three: Utah: Cedar Fort, Inc, 2016.

Scriptural study made easy, enlightening, and straightforward that gives birth to valuable resources aimed at informing the reader the doctrine of the covenants made simple or comprehensible. From the beloved gospel scholar David Ridges comes “The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier Boxed Set 1[5]. This valuable collection contains the complete text of the doctrine and covenants, Broth Ridges’ classic in-verse-notes, and additional insights and commentary. It brings your family together and master latter-day scriptures with this helpful study comparison. Indeed it enriches the believer and prepares him or her to know dispensations and covenants as God in eternity past had dealt with faithful men to maintain his presence among men from generations to generations.

Ridges, David J. Your Study of the New Testament Made Easier Part One and Two. Utah: Cedar Fort, 2018.

In our busy world, we sometimes find our scriptural study that may not be productive. The New Testament Made Easier include part 1 and 2 along with the complete text of the New Testament and are valuable study guides that include in-the-verse notes and additional insights and commentary complementing a study aid.[6] It is written to help lay people as well as pastors how the New Testament can be understood in context to give the pastors tools how the New Testament can be interpreted during delivery of sermon. Indeed, it is good resource for theological study.

Harvey, Van A. A Handbook of Theological Terms: Their Meaning and Background exposed in Over 300 Articles. Cambridge: Touchstone, 1997.

This handbook points out the distinctions between Roman Catholic and Protestant terminologies. It contains glossaries and dictionaries that are more up to date but that are not always an advantage, because their trendiness comes at the expense of excluding theological terms that are centuries old and will be around for centuries to come.[7] It is a good resource to enrich the vocabulary of the minister of God and helps him to know and to master theological terms that are useful when it comes to research writing, preparing bible lessons for age levels individuals and sermons.

Harvey, Van A. Feuerbach and the Interpretation of Religion (Cambridge Studies in Religion and Critical Thoughts). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995.

Ludwig Feuerbach is best known as the author of sensational criticism of Christianity in the mid-nineteenth century. Although some scholars regard this criticism of Christianity as important in its own right, most view it as pertinent because of its anticipation of the views of Nietzsche, Max, and Freud.[8] Harvey’s book argues that this is any inadequate interpretation of Feuerbach’s significance. He convincingly demonstrates their contemporary relevance of Feuerbach’s works that have been ignored.

Kapic, Kelly M. Embodied Hope: A theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2017.

Embodied Hope is a breath of fresh air and a source of hope, as Kapic takes a holistic approach to pain and suffering. Rather than downplaying orthodoxy in order to be practical and compassionate, he gives us a rich teaching of Christian anthropology, Christ’s person and work, and an eternal perspective.[9] He takes care to deal with physical aspects of suffering as well as its connection with the spiritual. This approach directs our gaze to Christ while not ignoring the hard questions that sufferers and care takers must face. It is a book that gives strengths, hope, and encouragement in time of pain that the sufferers face in the event of suffering. Why a valuable resource of hope!

Johnson, Keith L. Theology as Discipleship. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2015.

In this engaging, Johnson presents the discipline of theology as one of the ways we participate in the life of God. He argues that theology has to be integrally connected to the traditions and practices of the Church. If academic theology is to be genuinely theological, it must be carried out in obedience to Jesus Christ and in service to the Church. Theology as discipleship avoids the overview as doctrines of the creed which traditionally comes from the Trinity to eschatology.[10]

Ministry’s Books

Law, Eric HF. Holy Currencies: Six Blessings for Sustainable Missional Ministries. Los Angeles: Chalice Press, 2013.

The Holy currencies teaches how ministry can become sustainable, grows, and thrives. Money is not the only currency the ministry needs. Law shows how six blessings of time and place, gracious leadership, relationship, truth, wellness, and money flow through successful missional ministries.[11] Understanding this teaching, owning the teaching, and applying the teaching is crucial to sustainable, viable, and functional ministry. I strongly recommend this book to pastors, church planters, and church workers.

Sanders, Matt. Interfaith Ministry Handbook: Prayers, Readings and Other Resources for Pastoral Settings. California: Apocryphile Press, 2017.

This handbook supports chaplains who work in interfaith and intercultural settings. There are various prayers, blessings, and readings from a variety of faith traditions and languages, and prayers designed especially for chaplains who work in hospital or hospice settings found in the Bile, lyrics to favorite hymns, a relaxation exercise, and thoughts on prayer provide additional support for chaplains in their service.[12] Since chaplaincy ministry is a public ministry that provides services to wide range of people from various religious backgrounds and supports religious pluralism, I recommend this handbook to pastors or ministers who want to minister to people in the hospital and prison settings. It is a valuable resource that will open ministers’ understanding and orientate them to these ministries.

Mason, Karen. Preventing Suicide: A Handbook for Pastors, Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors. Massachusetts: IVP Books, 2014.

What is the Church’s role in suicide prevention? While we tend to view the work of suicide prevention as the task of professional therapies and doctors, the Church can also play a vital role. Studies show that religious faith is an important factor reducing the risk of suicide. In this practical book, psychologist Karen Mason equips ministry professionals to work with suicidal individuals. She integrates theology and psychology and shows how pastoral caregivers can be agents of hope, teaching the significance of life, monitoring those at risk and interring when the need help.[13] It is a resource for suicide prevention; therefore, ministers should be encouraged to use this resource in their counseling ministry as they minister to the hurting people of this generation.

McMinn, Mark R. Care for the Soul: exploring the Intersection of Psychology theology. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2001.

The volume explores the intersection of psychology and theology affected by rich theological and ecclesiological traditions, by the ravages and wonders of modern psychology and by the character and qualities of today’s ministers and communities of faith.[14] It is the good resource to use in the church ministry knowing that human has the social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual dimensions; therefore, I recommend this resource to pastors and ministers of the gospel.

Tidball, Derek. Ministry by the Book: New Testament Patterns for Pastoral Leadership. London: IVP Academic, 2009.

The New Testament writers set before the audience a number of examples of ministry, each of which is shaped by particular needs of the churches they were serving. Their backgrounds, ambitions, and passions also contribute to what they have to do about ministry. Focusing on pastoral leadership within the local churches, Derek Tidball provides a comprehensive survey of these models and patterns applicable for today’s ministry.[15] This book is highly recommended to pastors and ministers with reference to pastoral leadership and among other things in the ministry.

Keller, Timothy. Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Center Ministry in Your City. New York: Zondervan, 2012.

Today many pastors are struggling to adapt to a Post-Christian culture without abandoning orthodox theology. How do we communicate the concepts of grace and substitutionary atonement in our globalized culture and context? Timothy gives challenging insights and provocative questions based on over twenty years of ministry experience while leading the congregation in New York City.[16] This book is highly recommended to ministers or pastors who have conservative backgrounds. It opens and refines their understandings and how to communicate the message of grace when they are preaching or teaching from God’s word.

Stetzer, ED and Am, Daniel. Planting Missional Churches: Your Guide to Starting Churches that Multiply. Nashville: Band Academic, 2016.

Planting a church is one of the most exciting adventures you will ever project on. It is also one of the hardest. It requires initiative, leadership, strategy, systems, and a lot of prayers.[17] This book guides the church planters to build the needed ministry areas so that church can multiply continually and spread to the anticipated boundaries. This book is highly recommended for church planters who want to fulfill the mandate of the Great Commission. It is resourceful and directs the church planters how to go about this God’s given mandate.

Hughes, Kent R and O’Donnell, Douglas Sean. The Pastor’s Book. A Comprenhensive and Practical Guide to Pastoral Ministry. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2015.

This book is a practical book and comprehensive guide to every matter relating to the pastoral ministry with reference to pastoral counseling, hospital visitations, funeral administrations, weddings facilitations, sacraments administrations, holiday services observance, and congregational music.[18] It is an invaluable resource for every pastors or church leaders; therefore, I highly recommend this book. It helps the pastoral ministry to plan for these events that are always here; eventually, the pastors are obligated to fulfill these services to their congregations and the larger communities they serve by virtue of their vocations and calling.

Prime, Derek J and Begg, Alistair. On Being a Pastor: Understanding Our Calling and Work: Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2013.

The Pastoral Ministry is a vocational and lifestyle one disconnected from a job; therefore, it is a challenging job that requires the Pastor to develop his spiritual life along with those he leads as the Pastor.[19] Derek Prime and Alistair Begg provide practical advice for both the spiritual and practical aspects of the Pastoral Ministry. This book is the informative and prepares Pastors what to anticipate when he enters the Pastoral Ministry. It is a valuable resource for those who are called or who feel he is called into the Pastoral Ministry; therefore, I recommend this book to ministers of the gospel.

Leach, Tara Beth. Emboldened: A Vision for Empowering Women in Ministry. California: IVP Books, 2017.

In this book, Pastor Tara Beth Leach calls and encourages women an new generation of women in ministry to teach, to preach, to shepherd, and to lead. In the book, she mentioned that God does not only permit women to minister, but he also emboldens, empowers, and unleashes women to lead out of the fullness of who they are.[20] She provides practical expertise for how women can find their place at the table, escape impostor syndrome, face opposition, mentor others, and much more. This book is designed to purposely encourage women to enter the Pastoral Ministry in order to exercise their gifting and abilities. I strongly recommend this book to women group; though, there debate in Christendom that women are not allowed to host pastoral leadership.

Biblical Study Books

Jeremiah, David. The Book of Signs Study Guide: 31 Undeniable Prophecies of the Apocalypse. California: Thomas Nelson, 2019.

David Jeremiah in his 31 lessons volume, he examines the prophetic writings from the Old and New Testaments to help his audience understands and acts through the confusion with reference to Biblical prophecies about the end time and gives his audience insights about God’s plan for humankind as the end time draws near.[21] In the 31 lessons volume, he explores about international signs, cultural signs, heavenly signs, tribulation signs, and end signs. The examination of these prophetic signs as deliberated in his book, serves as reminder and warns the believers the terrible events awaits Satan, his demons, false prophets, and those who have decided to reject Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives; therefore, I recommend this volume to all Christians to read.

Moo, Douglas J. Encountering the Book of Romans: A Theological Survey (Encountering Biblical Studies) 2^nd Edition. Wheaton: Baker Academic, 2014.

In this book, Douglas Moo leads reader through the arrangements of significance and highlights key themes and clarifies difficult passages and explores the relevance of the book of Romans.[22] The book is designed for undergraduate classroom and includes pedagogical aids such as photos and sidebars. Knowing that the book of Romans is doctrinal and teaches on universal holiness of believers, it is recommendable that Pastors and lay people read this book to be

informed with reference to their identity in Christ and their responsibility as ministers of the gospel when it comes to covenants.

Henderson, Suzanne Watts. New Testament Conversations: A Literary Historical and Pluralistic Introduction. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2019.

The book gives historical introduction to the New Testament and typically devotes

careful attention to its ancient context and explores the texts against the backdrop of the Jewish and Hellenistic thoughts.[23] This is a valuable resource because it links the Old Testament text to the New Testament historically; therefore, it is recommended for preacher to read to help them contextualize messages during delivery of sermon to the contemporary audience.

MacArthur, John and Mayhue Richard. Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth. California: Crossway Books, 2017.

This book is a systematic overview of the basic Christian doctrine which covers topics such as God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, Salvation, and more.[24] Its scope is comprehensively written to be accessible to the average reader. This book is a valuable resource for Christians and Pastors who are called into the ministry of teaching because it presents the basic doctrine of the Christian faith; therefore, I recommend this book to be read by Pastors and lay people in the house of God.

Elwell, Walter A. Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey. Wheaton: Baker Academic, 2013.

This textbook is a readable survey of the New Testament designed to make the understanding of the Old Testament comprehensible. Two experienced classroom teachers offer a new edition of the bestselling and award-winning textbook. The book contains features such as images, maps, charts, sidebars, focused boxes, chapter outlines, learning objectives, and chapter summaries and study questions from the chapters to help students recap what is being learned in the textbook.[25] This textbook is a good resource for both students and pastors who want to master basic stories and happenings in the New Testament.

Pettit, Paul. Foundation of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like-Christ. Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic and Professional, 2008.

This book presents the fundamentals and practices of spiritual discipline leading to spiritual formation in Christ. It argues that we become like Christ authentically in the Christian community. It encourages individuals as well as the community of believers to be engaged in individual Bible study, private prayers, and meditation.[26] The book is the good resource for Christian development, growth, and maturity to attaining spiritual formation as Christians allow the Holy Spirit to have his will in them through total obedience, prayers, fasting, and the study of God’s word.

Kaiser, Walter C and Silva, Moises. Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning. South Hamilton: Zondervan Academic, 2007.

This book presents the introduction and methodologies of Biblical interpretation. Based on the approach on the subject, it has become and considered to be the standard text for a generation of students, pastors, and serious lay readers in the Church.[27] The revised edition has included the role of Biblical theology interpretation, how to deal with contemporary question not directly addressed in the Bible, and the New Testament use of the Old Testament. This book is valuable resource for Biblical interpretation because it balances the New Testament with the Old Testament; therefore, I strongly recommend this book to pastors, preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible.

Lea, Thomas D and Black, David Alan. The New Testament: Its Background and Message. Wake Forest: B and H Academic, 2003.

This book unlocks the door with reference to the understanding of the New Testament for new students and seasoned scholars. It presents the background of the New Testament with a focus on specific books including the Gospels, Acts, and Paul and his letters.[28] Knowing the background of the New Testament and its message is the bedrock for sound theology and dividing of God’s word; therefore, this book is highly recommended for reading because enriches and prepares students, pastors, and lay minister for good theological scholarship.

Scott, J. Julius Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Wheaton: Baker Academic, 2000.

The book presents the survey of the intertestamental Judaism that illuminates the customs

and controversies providing the significant background to the understanding of the New Testament. Scott illuminates a door into the Jewish world and gives highlight to the literature leading up to the development of Christianity.[29] This book is valuable resource for Christian theology and it is highly recommended for reading and studying.

Longenecker, Bruce W. and Still, Todd D. Thinking through Paul: A Survey of His Life, Letters, and Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2014.

Longenecker and Still challenge their audience to delve profoundly into Paul’s writings and wrestle with his enriched-layered and dynamic theological discourse. While seeking to situate their study on Apostle Paul’s view, they look at Paul’s life before and after his encounter with the resurrected Christ. They examine each of Paul’s letters and synthesize the Pauline writings to highlight the main stands of Paul’s theology while keeping in mind the context of the first-century Christianity.[30] This book is well written and presents educative and informative materials to the reader; therefore, this book is highly recommended for reading.

[1] www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Alignment-Church-Shane-Brown/dp/147933670X/ref=s, Accessed 11 September 2019.

[2] www.amazon.com/Old-Testament-Wisdom-Literature-Introduction/dp/0830852182/ref=sr_Accessed 11 September 2019.

[3] www.amazon.com/Theological-Wordbook-Testament-Laird-Harris/dp/0802486495/ref=sr_, Accessed 11 September 2019.

[4] www.amazon.com/Your-Study-Testament-Made-Easier/dp/1462121233/ref=sr_1_

Accessed 11 September 2019.

[5] www.amazon.com/Doctrine-Covenants-Easier-Section-Through/dp/B0025O5IJM/ref=sr_1_, Accessed 12 September 2019.

[6]www.amazon.com/Testament-Easier-Gospel-Studies-Cedar/dp/1599550008/ref=sr, Accessed 12 September 2019.

[7]www.amazon.com/Handbook-Theological-author-Harvey-published/dp/B01B27ZX06/ref=, Accessed 13 September 2019.

[8]www.amazon.com/Feuerbach-Interpretation-Religion-Cambridge-Critical/dp/0521470498/ref=sr, Accessed 13 September 2019.

[9]www.amazon.com/Embodied-Hope-Theological-Meditation-Suffering/dp/0830851798/ref, Accessed 13 September 2019.

[10]www.amazon.com/Theology-as-Discipleship-Keith-Johnson/dp/0830840346/ref=sr_, Accessed 13, 2019.

[11]www.amazon.com/Holy-Currencies-Blessings-Sustainable-Ministries/dp/0827214928/ref=sr_, Accessed 13 September 2019.