Larry R Helyer

This book introduces the reader to the discipline of biblical theology. In part one Helyer discusses the central problem of the unity of the Bible and the various options that have been proposed. He then argues for a vital connection between the testaments forming one grand story of redemptive history and one central theme, the coming kingdom of God. Part two takes up the theology of three major witnesses: Jesus, Paul, and John. In these three witnesses Helyer finds the center of New Testament thought. He emphasizes the importance of Jesus' teaching as foundational for all the other the New Testament witnesses. Without overlooking the diversity and individuality of the major witnesses, he clearly demonstrates the theological unity that binds them together and provides the key to the enduring message of Scripture.

This book introduces the reader to the discipline of biblical theology. In part one Helyer discusses the central problem of the unity of the Bible and the various options that have been proposed. He then argues for a vital connection between the testaments forming one grand story of redemptive history and one central theme, the coming kingdom of God. Part two takes up the theology of three major witnesses: Jesus, Paul, and John. In these three witnesses Helyer finds the center of New Testament thought. He emphasizes the importance of Jesus' teaching as foundational for all the other the New Testament witnesses. Without overlooking the diversity and individuality of the major witnesses, he clearly demonstrates the theological unity that binds them together and provides the key to the enduring message of Scripture.

How does one make sense of a bizarre prophet like Ezekiel with his shocking symbolic actions and out-of-this-world visionary experiences? Not without patient exegesis and considerable humility. But the effort is worth it because this choice servant of Yahweh has an enduring message that leaves an imprint on the teaching of the great Servant of the Lord, Jesus of Nazareth. This book, intended for the general reader, is not a commentary proper but a portal into the wild and wonderful world of this priest-prophet, the third voice of a prophetic trio, the so-called major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel). The author demonstrates an underlying theological unity that links Ezekiel with not only his fellow prophets, especially his contemporary Jeremiah, but also the entire canon of Scripture. The author wants readers to grasp the essential burden of Ezekiel's book, namely, to hope in the God of all comfort and hope because he will raise his people from their graves And not only will the holy God restore his people to holiness and righteousness, he will dwell with them forever. That hope is the mainstay for God's people yesterday, today, and forever.

How does one make sense of a bizarre prophet like Ezekiel with his shocking symbolic actions and out-of-this-world visionary experiences? Not without patient exegesis and considerable humility. But the effort is worth it because this choice servant of Yahweh has an enduring message that leaves an imprint on the teaching of the great Servant of the Lord, Jesus of Nazareth. This book, intended for the general reader, is not a commentary proper but a portal into the wild and wonderful world of this priest-prophet, the third voice of a prophetic trio, the so-called major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel). The author demonstrates an underlying theological unity that links Ezekiel with not only his fellow prophets, especially his contemporary Jeremiah, but also the entire canon of Scripture. The author wants readers to grasp the essential burden of Ezekiel's book, namely, to hope in the God of all comfort and hope because he will raise his people from their graves And not only will the holy God restore his people to holiness and righteousness, he will dwell with them forever. That hope is the mainstay for God's people yesterday, today, and forever.

The Life and Witness of David introduces the general reader to the remarkable career of David son of Jesse. This man streaked across the skies like a meteor and could rightly be called a Hebrew superstar. The stories about him are among the most beloved and captivating in Scripture. The author distills this amazing story in thirteen chapters and adds a fourteenth to sum up David's legacy in history, liturgy, and worship. David transformed the land of Israel from an insignificant federation of tribes into a Middle Eastern power, an extraordinary feat unparalleled in Israel's history. His importance, however, lies less in his military and political accomplishments than in his spiritual and theological contributions. In his action-packed life and in the book of Psalms, David, the man after God's own heart, speaks through the Spirit of God to our hearts in all the vicissitudes of life. At numerous points, the author draws attention to moments in David's story that reecho in the pages of the NT. David's story prefigures the story of David's greater son, Jesus, Son of God. The typological links connecting David and Christ in redemptive history are a key emphasis in this book.

The Life and Witness of David introduces the general reader to the remarkable career of David son of Jesse. This man streaked across the skies like a meteor and could rightly be called a Hebrew superstar. The stories about him are among the most beloved and captivating in Scripture. The author distills this amazing story in thirteen chapters and adds a fourteenth to sum up David's legacy in history, liturgy, and worship. David transformed the land of Israel from an insignificant federation of tribes into a Middle Eastern power, an extraordinary feat unparalleled in Israel's history. His importance, however, lies less in his military and political accomplishments than in his spiritual and theological contributions. In his action-packed life and in the book of Psalms, David, the man after God's own heart, speaks through the Spirit of God to our hearts in all the vicissitudes of life. At numerous points, the author draws attention to moments in David's story that reecho in the pages of the NT. David's story prefigures the story of David's greater son, Jesus, Son of God. The typological links connecting David and Christ in redemptive history are a key emphasis in this book.

The Life and Witness of Jeremiah introduces the general reader to the Hebrew prophet Jeremiah. As such it provides an overall sketch of his life and times and serves as a portal into his thought world. Jeremiah is among the most eloquent and passionate prophets in the Hebrew Bible. For readers who enjoy evocative poetry and harrowing accounts of near-death experiences, Jeremiah merits careful reading. One of the primary purposes in writing this book is to assist the reader in negotiating its anthology format and disorderly arrangement. To this end, the author provides in six chapters a thematic and topical approach to important aspects of Jeremiah's career and message that speak powerfully to our own day. In other words, this book focuses on applied theology. How does what Jeremiah said then relate to readers now? The book of Jeremiah is remarkably relevant, especially in its interface between faith and politics. The author also approaches this exposition of Jeremiah from a biblical theology perspective by connecting his preaching with the canon of sacred Scripture. A major concern is to place Jeremiah's prophecy within the broader context of redemptive history.

The Life and Witness of Jeremiah introduces the general reader to the Hebrew prophet Jeremiah. As such it provides an overall sketch of his life and times and serves as a portal into his thought world. Jeremiah is among the most eloquent and passionate prophets in the Hebrew Bible. For readers who enjoy evocative poetry and harrowing accounts of near-death experiences, Jeremiah merits careful reading. One of the primary purposes in writing this book is to assist the reader in negotiating its anthology format and disorderly arrangement. To this end, the author provides in six chapters a thematic and topical approach to important aspects of Jeremiah's career and message that speak powerfully to our own day. In other words, this book focuses on applied theology. How does what Jeremiah said then relate to readers now? The book of Jeremiah is remarkably relevant, especially in its interface between faith and politics. The author also approaches this exposition of Jeremiah from a biblical theology perspective by connecting his preaching with the canon of sacred Scripture. A major concern is to place Jeremiah's prophecy within the broader context of redemptive history.

Who was Peter and what was his true stature in the early church? For Protestants at least, Peter seems caught between two caricatures: the rustic fisherman of Galilee and the author of two lesser New Testament letters. And in both cases he is overshadowed by Paul. In The Life and Witness of Peter, Larry Helyer seeks to reinstate this neglected and underestimated apostle to his rightful stature as an early Christian leader and faithful witness to Christ. Reconstructing Peter's life, theology and legacy from evidence in 1 and 2 Peter, the Gospels, Acts, Paul's letters, and texts from the early church, Helyer renders a great service for students of the New Testament. We are introduced to Peter the eyewitness who stands behind much of Mark's Gospel, Peter the preacher who lends deep credibility to the account of Acts, and Peter the letter-writer whose words glow with spiritual intelligence. Along the way we are rewarded with a careful analysis of prominent theological themes in Peter's letters. And we learn much about the traditions, legends and legacy of Peter in the post-apostolic era

Decode one of the most complex books in the Bible! Are you baffled by the Book of Revelation? Understand the purpose, key themes, and symbolism of the most fascinating book in the Bible with The Book of Revelation For Dummies, an easy-to-understand guide that will help you grasp the enduring messages of Revelation and apply them to your life. You will understand what Revelation says about the past, present, and future, and how it relates to the rest of the Bible. You will learn how this mysterious book of the Bible fits into a historical context. You’ll discover all kinds of interesting facts about the apostle John and learn about the details of his world. You will be able to choose a perspective for interpreting this book of the Bible and decipher the many haunting symbols. There is no need to read this reference guide from cover to cover; simply browse the table of contents or flip through the pages to find the answers and assistance that you need. Discover how to: Interpret the prophecy of the RevelationPlace it in historical contextUnderstand how it relates to other books in the BibleUnravel the details of the apostle John’s life and worldChoose a perspective for understandingSee the grander scheme of things Complete with lists of the ten most commonly asked questions about end times and the ten rules of thumb for interpreting scripture, The Book of Revelation For Dummies will help you understand and decode one of the most perplexing books in the Bible!