Hearing God’s Words

Description

Many discussions of Christian spirituality draw on a range of traditions and “disciplines.” Little attention, however, appears to have been given to the Bible itself for its teaching on this theme or as a source of spirituality. Similarly, it is commonly assumed that, when it comes to spirituality, the evangelical tradition has little to offer.

In response, Peter Adam urges us to renew our confidence in a biblical model of spirituality and to test our spirituality by the Bible. Drawing on a selection of Old and New Testament texts, along with significant insights from the Christian tradition (including John Calvin and the Puritans), this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume expounds the shape and structure of a gospel-centered “spirituality of the Word” through which we know God himself and receive the life he gives.

CONTENTS

Series Preface
Author’s Preface

Introduction: A Strange Silence

1. Biblical Spirituality
Biblical Spirituality?
Evangelical Spirituality?
Reformed Spirituality?
Biblical Theology and Spirituality?
The Shape and Structure of Biblical Spirituality?

2. The Old Testament: Hear My Words, O My People
Genesis: Words of Promise, Words of Power
Deuteronomy: Hear, O Israel!
Job: Words of Revelation, Words of Faith
Psalms: O That Today You Would Listen to His Voice!
Proverbs: Every Word of God Proves True
Jeremiah: My Words in Your Mouth

3. The New Testament: The Words That I Have Spoken Are Spirit and Life
Luke: That You May Know the Truth
Romans: Strengthened by Gospel Proclamation
Colossians: Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly
Hebrews: God Has Spoken
1 Peter: The Living and Enduring Word of God
1 John: The Word of God Abides in You
Revelation: Listen to What the Spirit Is Saying to the Churches

4. Calvin’s Theology of Revelation: Faith Hearing the Word of Christ
Theological Foundations
Christ’s One Covenant
One People of God
One Word of God
Summary

5. Issues in Spirituality: Sanctify Them in the Truth; Your Word Is Truth
Words and Images, Faith and Sight
Sacred Times, Places, Objects and Actions
Sacred Times, Places, Objects and Actions Today?
The Power of Words
Summary

6. Examples of Spirituality: They Have Kept Your Word
Corporate Spirituality of the Word in the Early Church
Word and Spirit in Puritan–Quaker Debate
Richard Baxter on Meditation

Conclusion: The Unfolding of Your Words Gives Light
Meditation

Bibliography
Index of Authors
Index of Historical References

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