Benjamin Merkle

Jesus' Great Commission is one of the key pillars of the church's evangelistic work and has been the guiding principle for missionaries throughout church history. In 40 Questions about the Great Commission, scholars Daniel Akin, Benjamin Merkle, and George Robinson unpack the meaning, history, theology, and practical applications of Jesus' command to go and make disciples. Ideal for personal or group study, this volume will reignite your passion for evangelism while answering key questions like: Where do we stand in relation to fulfilling the Great Commission? How do baptism and teaching relate to the Great Commission? What is the meaning of "I am with you always, to the end of the age"? How does the Old Testament relate to the Great Commission? What is the special contribution of each Gospel's version of the Great Commission? What is the responsibility of the local church to the Great Commission? What are some mobilization resources that can help churches and individuals to become Great Commission focused? Other highlights include an overview of some of the great evangelists and missionaries in church history, and a collection of notable quotations on the Great Commission, ideal for teaching and preaching.

40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord's Supper, appropriate for the student and thoughtful layperson, answers forty of the most common and most difficult questions about the two Protestant ordinances. There is significant diversity of views on these subjects and the skilled, even-handed biblical analysis sheds lights on the many theological and pastoral considerations regarding baptism and communion. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are practiced by almost all Christian churches, but they disagree on the meaning, proper participants, even the proper names for these observances. This book includes the major theological issues (such as infant baptism, open and closed communion, and the nature of God's activity in these celebrations), the views held by different denominations (from Roman Catholic to Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, and others), and a number of practical issues (such as the proper age at which to baptize a child, the frequency with which the Lord's Supper should be observed, and whether these two practices should be observed only in churches). This volume will be helpful to pastors, worship leaders, college and seminary students, and of interest to all Christians who want to grow in their understanding of these two basic Christian acts of worship. Each chapter is succinct and readable, with footnotes indicating additional sources for those who wish to go further.

A biblical, historical, theological, and practical foundation for pastoral leadershipPastors have been entrusted with leading the people of God. The shepherds of God's flock must protect them from and guide them through the many dangers believers face. Although ultimately the Church is led by Christ, pastors are to provide godly examples of what it means to be a follower of the Lord. Consequently, who leads the church, the type of authority they are given, how they relate to one another, to whom they are accountable, and how they are selected are of utmost importance to the life and health of God's people. This book provides the biblical, historical, theological, and practical foundation of the crucial task of leading God's people.

Even-handed, biblical, and broadly accessible answers to the most frequently asked questions abut the return of Christ This newest contribution to the 40 Questions series continues the tradition of excellent research presented in accessible language and clear writing. Designed for both students and general readers, this resource helps them make sense of one of the Bible's most difficult topics. Schnabel, a professor at a leading seminary and the author of several major works, looks at the future of the world, the church, and Israel; the return of Jesus; and the millennium and the final judgment. He answers questions related to the rapture, the 144,000, the identity of the two witnesses, Armageddon, how to interpret Revelation, heaven and hell, and so forth. The result is an even-handed treatment that avoids sensationalism and a "newspaper headline" approach to prophecy, that is, interpreting prophecy according to current events. Rather, Schnabel carefully studies the biblical text in light of its first-century context and draws biblically-based conclusions. Other volumes in the 40 Questions series include 40 Questions About Elders and Deacons by Benjamin Merkle, 40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible by Robert Plummer, and 40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law by Thomas Schreiner.

"This book is an instant classic that deserves a wide readership." --from the forward by A. Andrew Das, distinguished chair, Professor of Religious Studies, Elmhurst College. This volume by Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner on the interplay between Christianity and biblical law is an excellent addition to the 40 Questions & Answers series. Schreiner not only coherently answers the tough questions that flow from a discussion about the Old Testament Levitical Law, but also writes clearly and engagingly for the student. The pastor, student, and layperson can easily understand Schreiner's biblical theology of the Law. The reader will enjoy the clarity and encouragement of 40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law. The simple Q&A format allows readers to skip to questions of interest. Questions include: What does the word law mean in the Scriptures]Was the Mosaic covenant legalistic]Does the OT teach that salvation is by works]What does the expression "works of law" mean in Paul]Is perfect obedience to the law mandatory for salvation]Does Paul teach that the OT law is now abolished]What does Paul mean by "righteousness of God"]Does the Pauline teaching on justification contradict Jesus' message]Do James and Paul contradict one another on justification by works]How should we understand the role of the law in Luke-Acts]What is theonomy, or Christian reconstructionism, and how should it be evaluated] What role does the law have in preaching]

Most works on elders are written for the pastor or church leader, but this volume speaks directly to the church member. Benjamin L. Merkle grounds this study about church elders in the Word of God as he clearly and succinctly informs laypeople of the scriptural qualifications and responsibilities of elders and deacons. Then he implores lay men and women to vote wisely concerning church leadership. "Why Elders] "assumes the voice of the curious church member who reads the Bible with an eye focused on the early church's organizational structure and asks, "Why did they do it the way they did]" and "How can we follow Scripture's prescription for leadership]"

Most works on elders are written for the pastor or church leader, but this volume speaks directly to the church member. Benjamin L. Merkle grounds this study about church elders in the Word of God as he clearly and succinctly informs laypeople of the scriptural qualifications and responsibilities of elders and deacons. Then he implores lay men and women to vote wisely concerning church leadership. Why Elders] assumes the voice of the curious church member who reads the Bible with an eye focused on the early church's organizational structure and asks, "Why did they do it the way they did]" and "How can we follow Scripture's prescription for leadership."

Arranged in a Q & A format, this volume tackles the major questions that pastors, church leaders, and students ask about congregational church government, a topic of much interest in the church today. It provides readers with a clear analysis of key biblical passages, succinct answers (4-8 pages each), and discussion questions. The unique format of the book allows the reader to pick and choose what issues are most pertinent to their interests and needs.