40 Questions Series

The 40 Questions Series, edited by Ben Merkle, from Kregel is a series to invest in. Each book seeks to answer some of the most common and difficult questions on some of the most important topics in theology. The volumes not only helpful to those thinking theological already, but also for those who may be thinking through these theological topics for the first time and need a simple, concise answer to some of their most basic questions.

Of course, I am biased in saying all of this. I am also excited about the series because I have the joy and privilege to be writing 40 Questions on Salvation. I am already underway in the writing process and hope the volume will be helpful in answering some of the most fundamental and difficult questions related to salvation.

That said, allow me to introduce the volumes published thus far and encourage you to go and buy them, read them, and give them to people in your churches. Here is the description for each, and take note of the most recent release on the end times.

 

40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law. By Thomas Schreiner.

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.

 

40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible. By Robert L. Plummer.

The second in the series organized around common FAQs, 40 Questions about Interpreting the Bible tackles the major questions that students, pastors and professors ask about the hermeneutics of reading the bible (i.e. understanding the bible). This is a constant field of study by professor and student alike which empowers the pastor to teach with confidence. Robert Plummer parses the discussion into four parts: getting started, approaching the bible generally, approaching specific texts, and issues in recent discussion. In each section the forty questions lead each exploration. This allows teachers to embrace this book as a textbook and the curious student to engage the book on a pick and choose basis to discover what issues are most pertinent to their study. Sure to be a happy tool for the professor 40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible will be essential reading for the student seeking to advance expertly in his biblical studies.

 

40 Questions About Elders and Deacons. By Benjamin L. Merkle.

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.

40 Questions About the End Times. By Eckhard Schnabel.

Organized in an accessible FAQ format, 40 Questions About the End Times tackles common questions about the final period before Christ’s second coming. In his clear, balanced style, Eckhard Schnabel cuts through the confusion and hype to offer meaningful answers through analysis of the relevant biblical texts as well as theological and practical conclusions. Questions include: Who are the 144,000 in Revelation 7? Will the Church disappear in a rapture to heaven? Does national Israel have a special destiny? What will happen to believers on the day of judgment?

(View Schnabel’s Table of Contents here.)

Matthew Barrett (Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. Barrett has contributed book reviews and articles to various academic journals, and he is the author of several forthcoming books. He is married to Elizabeth and they have two daughters, Cassandra and Georgia. He is a member of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, KY.