b'BIBLICAL STUDIES AND THEOLOGYcan be difficult and discourag- help many in the church. Justevangelicals know little about. ing to open a book and beginthe other day I noticed severalConsequently, the 40 Questions reading a chapter that is fifty40 Questions volumes that myseries provides a helpful intro-pages long. Also, because of thechurch had on display (with- duction to these religions.question-and-answer format, aout being prompted by me inFinally, I am super excited reader does not need to beginany way). Moreover, I oftenabout the opportunity I have at the first chapter but couldget emails from pastors andto produce a second edition jump in at any question with- church leaders who thank meof 40 Questions About Elders and out feeling lost. for writing my volume.Deacons. This volume was first This series appeals topublished seventeen years ago Christians, especially from anWhich titles in this seriesand, having had the oppor-evangelical perspective, whoare your favorites andtunity to teach on elders and desire to dive deep into anwhy? deacons over the past twenty important topic. Consequently,years, I have several chapters I these volumes have benefitedThis question is not quite fairwant to add, including the fol-high schoolers, graduate stu- and perhaps similar to askinglowing six: (1) How is Jesus the dents, and many groups ina parent which of their chil- Lord of the church? (2) Is there a between. dren they love the most. I lovedistinct office of senior pastor? all the 40 Questions books(3) Are any qualifications nego-How do you see (or howequally. And yet, if you presstiable? (4) What factors should have you seen) this seriesme, I would have to say that 40a church be mindful of when making a difference inQuestions About Interpreting theestablishing elders? (5) What is both the academy and theBible would be among my favor- the meaning of the title dea-ites. This was the second bookcon? and (6) What authority, church? in the series and was written byif any, do deacons have? In the Of course I am biased, but Imy good friend Rob Plummer.end, no significant material will have been using various vol- He was able to write a bookbe cut from the first edition umes in many of my collegethat is simple enough for a highsince I will combine shorter and seminary courses. Forschooler but profound enoughchapters and streamline some example, for New Testamentfor a masters level seminaryof the material. Thus, the book Introduction 1 (Gospels), Icourse. This volume now has awill still have forty questions!assign 40 Questions About thesecond edition. Historical Jesus, and for NewI have also been impressedRead the full interviewTestament Introduction 2by a few other volumes, allon our blog:(ActsRevelation), I assign 40related to various religions. Questions about the Apostle Paul.Two of these have already The volumes make excellentbeen published (40 Questions supplementary reading forAbout Islam and 40 Questions these courses. The feedbackAbout Roman Catholicism) and from the students is alwaysone will be released in about positive and usually focuses ona year (40 Questions About the user-friendly format andMormonism). These volumes the clear and succinct chapters.offer fair and accurate presen-I have also seen these bookstations of religions that many kregel.com/academic9'