Alec Motyer

Preachers, teachers and serious Bible students of all types continue to find this commentary a wise, winsome and welcome guide to the prophecy of Isaiah. This newly updated and expanded edition, published 10 years after Motyer's death, leaves the text unchanged, but adds a formal bibliography, indices and a fresh new design to ensure that this classic commentary continues to serve the church for decades to come. Although his emphasis is on the grammatical, historical, structural, literary and theological dimensions of the text, Motyer writes with an eye on its meaning for Christians today. Based on the author's knowledge of the Hebrew text, but utilizing the New International Version, the commentary easily accommodates readers without a working knowledge of biblical Hebrew.

Alec Motyer was a man whose love for God and His Word inspired others to enjoy studying the Bible, and especially the Old Testament. Isaiah by the Day and Psalms by the Day exemplify this passion. Motyer’s scholarly brilliance and devotional warmth have cemented these books as firm favourites in the hearts of many readers. This beautiful cloth–bound box set contains both volumes from this esteemed Bible teacher. Moyter is a master at attending to the details and finding their precise place in the grand sweep of scripture’s redemptive narrative. Rich and full, yet concisely put. Each of the 144 daily readings consists of a Scripture passage, a wealth of accompanying notes, and a devotional reflection. The text is set in its context, with clear references to other relevant passages. Motyer’s long experience as a linguist enabled him to translate Isaiah and the Psalms from Hebrew into English, bringing us as close to the original text as possible, and helping us perceive familiar passages anew. His rich analysis alongside these translations, aids the reader to delve deeper into the treasures on offer. For a richer understanding of the Psalms and Isaiah, Motyer’s guide is an indispensable resource. Providing so much more than a mere devotional, Moyter shares his tools for digging into God’s word and extracting its treasures. Look over his shoulder and learn from his lifetime of devout scholarship, faithful teaching and godly wisdom.

Esteemed scholar, Alec Motyer, presents a salvation pledge on display in this introduction to Old Testament covenant theology. Signs, laws, sacrifices, kings, priests: How do they all fit together? Alec Motyer answers with five lectures that intricately trace God’s covenant from its origins in the narrative of Noah and Abraham, through the establishment of the law, towards its climax in Christ. From the beginning of time, God has been making his ways and nature known to his people. Unpack the purpose of signs, make sense of Passover and look beyond the insufficient sacrifices and failing monarchy. Through approaching the Old Testament with a fresh appreciation of the covenant meta–narrative, the lines of covenant theology are seen to converge with salvation as their ultimate focal point. Join Motyer on a journey that connects the dots across God’s carefully orchestrated redemptive history to glimpse a greater vision of the salvation masterplan brought to fulfilment by the promise–making, promise–keeping God

'Alec Motyer has clearly got the spirit of Amos in his blood. He loves the prophet from Tekoa and takes endless pains to give full weight to every syllable of the prophecy.' Michael Green, theologian and author of over 70 books Extravagance, greed and exploitation were the most notable features of the society in which Amos lived. Standards had gone to pot. Authority and the rule of law were despised, and national leadership, while revelling in the publicity and dignity of position, seemed to be contributing to the complete breakdown of law and order. Thus, Alec Motyer exposes and explains the astonishingly relevant - but never popular - message of the prophet Amos. The Bible Speaks Today series covers every book of the Old and New Testaments, as well as Bible themes that run through the whole of Scripture. These revised editions are redesigned inside and out and have been sensitively updated with contemporary language and Bible translations to help you follow, study and teach the Bible in today's world.

The whole story of the Old Testament book of Exodus is a covenant narrative; in Moses’ story, the pledges that God made to Abraham are honoured and fulfilled, as the Israelites are saved from Egypt and guided to the promised land. In The Message of Exodus, Alec Motyer offers a warm-hearted and insightful exposition of what this key part of Scripture testifies about the Bible's God. Exploring the meaning that Exodus still has for us today, he unfolds the ways it points to Jesus Christ and heralds him in advance, and how it bears on the nature and life of the people of God - their redemption, obedience, security and inheritance. Part of the loved and trusted The Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of Exodus offers an clear, readable exposition of the Biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, The Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for anyone studying or preaching Exodus and who want to delve deeper into the text. This beautifully redesigned edition has also been sensitively updated to include modern references and use the NIV Bible text. The Message of Exodus will help for anyone looking for a commentary on Exodus that makes clear its meaning both in its original context and for Christians in the twenty-first century.

As a good communicator, James addressed his readers directly and pointedly, with vivid images from ordinary life and attention-gripping statements. This rich exposition brings James' letter to life for today's reader. Alec Motyer is himself gripped by James' energy and concern for practical Christianity. The letter shows how a genuine faith is a tested faith; how encounter with difficulties is an essential part of the growth to Christian maturity. This book powerfully brings out James' memorable themes - the link between enduring trials and maturity; the question of perfection; the good gifts of God; faith, works and Christian concern in a world of human need; the implications of careless and evil words; the meaning of war; the church and healing; confession of sin; and the need for active purity of life. For James, genuine Christianity is practical. It is a tested faith. In this admirable exposition, Alec Motyer captures James' forthright and powerful message for today.

The Apostle Paul was bound by prison chains when he wrote to the church at Philippi. Despite his loss of liberty, and opposition from fellow-workers, the letter radiates joy - joy that Christ was proclaimed, joy in fellowship with the Philippian Christians, and above all joy in Jesus himself. Alec Motyer explores Paul's great themes, so relevant today: Christian unity; the Person of Jesus and what he has achieved for us; the call to live a life worthy of the gospel.

The Psalms tell us how wonderful God is and help us to praise and worship Him. The Psalms help us to pray to God – telling him about our troubles and worries. The Psalms give us comfort and guidance. Some Psalms point to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God who came into this world to suffer and die for the sins of his people. Some Psalms tell about our sin and how The Lord has dealt with it. Other Psalms express our joy and thanksgiving. Using Alec Motyer’s translation, this day–by–day devotional encourages children to explore the Psalms for themselves. The 31 short devotionals include a short prayer, and beautiful colour illustrations.

Many of us find the Old testament daunting. It seems long and very distant. If the Old Testament is unknown territory to you, here's just the book to get you into it. Alec Motyer leads us through six key themes of the Old Testament, history, religion, worship, prophecy, wisdom and God himself. Each chapter shows with simplicity and warmth how important these themes are to the Old Testament, and how relevant they are to our lives today. At the end of each chapter the are seven short daily readings with crisp, practical comments, designed to help you explore that chapter's theme for yourself. Read through this book with your Old Testament in front of you and you will be amazed how it speaks directly to us today in our situations and our needs. The Scenic Route is a journey well worth taking. "Alec Motyer proves again his faithfulness and reliability as a guide to the world of the Old Testament. The daily devotional Bible readings and notes make this useful for personal or group study and will provide readers not only with a good introduction to the Old Testament but also an opportunity to encounter the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." Chris Sinkinson

A 30-day devotional based on 1 Thessalonians by Alec Motyer and from Keswick Ministries. 'Keep on keeping on' is surely a message that's as relevant today as when it was first written. Paul visited Thessalonica on his second mission trip, along with companions Silas and Timothy. Unfortunately, his time was cut short after only four or five weeks. He was hounded out of the city. But amazingly, even by this time a fledgling church had formed! Paul writes to the new believers in order to fill in details and explain misunderstandings about the second coming. He urges them to live well in community and gives further instructions about godly living. He's encouraging them to press on in holiness in spite of opposition: 'Keep on keeping on.'

A new passage through the Psalms. Following on from the successful and highly acclaimed Isaiah by the Day, Alec Motyer leads readers through a new devotional translation of the Psalms. Day by day, read freshly translated passages from the Psalms and use the author’s expository notes and devotional applications to explore the passage further. “richly full, concisely put” – Mark Dever (Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church and President, 9Marks.org, Washington, DC)

Many of us know and love the stories and characters of the Old Testament such as Joseph, Moses and Jonah. But how do we view its importance in relation to New Testament teaching and our 21st century experiences? This accessible yet powerful addition to the Pocket Guide series draw together the threads of Scripture to help us understand the power of God’s word when viewed in its completeness.

"The title, Old Testament, creates difficulties of its own. If it is "Old" and we are people of the "New", surely we may properly let it fade away into history? Besides, it seems very unlike the New Testament, even contradictory: all those wars when Jesus is the Prince of peace; all those commandments to obey when we are not under law but under grace. And can the God of the Old Testament be a God of love like the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?" These are the questions that Alec Motyer, a life long lover of the Old Testament, seeks to answer starting with the conviction that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Old Testament Scripture. This is for the Christian who wants to know what the Old Testament has to do with the New Testament and why the Christian should read it. A comprehensive survey of the Old Testament organised around its authors and major characters, the theme of this book is that the Holy Spirit chose, fashioned and equipped the biblical authors to convey distinctive truths through each of them.'

Alec Motyer was a man who loved the Word of God and was passionate about the Old Testament. These daily devotionals from Isaiah were born of a lifetime of study. For him daily devotion was not a duty but came from a real desire to be transformed by the challenging word of God as given to the prophet Isaiah. These devotionals reassure us that the Lord can restore what sin has robbed us of. Day by day you will read freshly translated passages from Isaiah and have an opportunity to explore the passage further through the author’s notes and devotional comments. Take time to acquaint yourself with these passages from God’s Word and treasure them in your heart and life.

Like many things in life, the skill of good preaching is 95% perspiration and 5% inspiration. Alec Motyer’s guide is based on a multitude of sermons over many years of preaching in many different situations, a recipe to help you know your subject and to pull the pieces together into a winning sermon. Preaching is a privilege: let Alec help you reach out and make the best of the gifts God has given you.

Psalms 120-134, possibly the most exquisite single group of psalms, are described as 'Songs of Ascents'. They recall the journeys of pilgrims from all over the land 'up' to Jerusalem to keep the feasts of the Lord. And as the people walked, they sang. God's people today may not make quite such a journey but, as Alec Motyer contests, in living the Christian life we have all embarked on a pilgrimage of the heart. The life of faith is to be lived on the move, through varying terrains but with a single destination - as we walk with eyes fixed on Jesus. A devotional read to hearten both weary and sure-footed travellers.

Many ideas of what happens at the end of this life have entered mainstream public thought. In the post-modern mindset, all are equally valid and all are equally possible - but are they all equally thought through? That is what acclaimed Biblical scholar, Alec Motyer, sets out to do in this accessible and challenging investigation. The 9 chapters are clearly set out to help you find the answers biblically. For Example: In chapter 3 the Doctrine of Universalism is explored under topics e.g. Scriptural support, defining God as love, The Cross & human freedom. The arguments are put forward from scripture so you've no excuses! Are you certain that death is the end - or is there a Life 2: The Sequel?

This devotional book traces the course of David's life through his autobiographical Psalms: From triumphant boy hero to persecution in the court of Saul. From gifted musician to compromised adulterer and murderer. From his exile on the run to his coronation as the leader of God's people. The King's songs are a treasure-chest of jewels, telling not mere history but timeless truths about the King of Kings himself, David's magnificent God. With warmth and insight, the author draws out the lessons David learned in his turbulent life with the Lord and the rich gems he has bequeathed to followers of God today.