I am pleased to commend to you some fine new DVDs done by some first rate scholars, which are useful catalysts for getting deeper into the Biblical text and applying it in practical ways to the Christian life. If you like the Rob Bell videos, you should love these, and you will get far more Biblical bang for your buck with these videos.
Zondervan has just released this new DVD Bible study curriculum for use in small groups and Sunday Schools. I was one of 6 New Testament professors in the project. There are 3 DVDs, with participant's guides: "The Prayers of Jesus," "The Parables of Jesus," and "The Miracles of Jesus." Each study is introduced from a setting in Israel, to set the historical context, and then taught from a creative location here in the USA: a beach, the mountains, downtown Chicago, Boston, etc., to show how the Biblical text can be applied to today's world. With 3 hours of teaching per DVD by Bible professors who know how to communicate the world of the Biblical text to today’s world (Ben Witherington, Gary Burge, David Garland, Mark Strauss, Mike Wilkins, and Matt Williams), “Deeper Connections” will provide the depth that you have been looking for. Through alternating sections of DVD teaching and small group discussion, this Bible Study series will allow your small group or Sunday School class to make DEEPER CONNECTIONS with three main areas: 1. Historical Background: Jewish, historical, social and cultural backgrounds are examined in order to bring out the full and deeper meaning of the Biblical text. 2. Biblical Text: The lessons are taught by Bible professors who teach this subject matter in Bible Colleges and Seminaries. 3. Real Life Application: Challenging and accurate applications that come directly out of the biblical text will help you to live the truth of the Bible in today’s difficult world. For a sample video of the series, you can go to this link: http://zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310271901&QueryStringSite=Zondervan
Thanks Ben! These look great. I've found our small group ministry thrives when it has excellent DVDs to go along with it. Looking forward to leading our church through these next year.
ReplyDeleteScott Furrow
These look exciting. They could be ideal for a housegroup. How long is each talk Ben?
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, when are you going to blog on your new book on baptism? I'm really keen to hear a summary of your thoughts. (I can't afford to buy the book right now!)
The length of the segments, but the scholar's segments are about 12-15 minutes max.
ReplyDeleteAs for baptism-- the blogging will be done next month. Here's a clue-- I think both Baptists and Paedo-Baptists have shipped some water on this issue. The NT doesn't mandate either approach.
Ben, your book has me intruiged! I recently read "The Problem With Evangelical Theology" and my book for reading in the toilet(!) is your Romans commentary. I've found both engaging, challenging, spiritually edifying and intellectually satisfying. God bless.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nick, you know you've really made it in a household when you are bathroom reading :) When I was small the only thing I read in the bathroom was either Guideposts magazine, or Spiderman comics.
ReplyDeleteBW3