Derek Thomas (1) (1953–)

Helpful book on heaven. Right out of the gate, author Derek Thomas poses this question, "Where will you be five minutes after you have been declared dead?" (15). It is a question of profound importance! "Christians have an answer that is certain and clear. Consciousness and all that goes with it continues in another realm, where Jesus exists in bodily form. And this place is called heaven" (16). Thomas goes on to distinguish the new heavens and new earth from the intermediate state along with a host of other potentially confusing issues regarding certain notions of the end times. The book was originally a collection of sermons he delivered a number of years back and his pastoral wisdom and wit comes through clearly. Some memorable quotes:
"Death is like getting on a train, or bus or an airplane that will take us to heaven" (37). "Knowing what happens to us after we die makes us bold...Christians die with courage because they die with confidence." (52). "Jesus is the prototype of the resurrection body. Paul writes in Phil. 3:21 that God will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body" (106). "Whatever our occupation in heaven, there will be maximum satisfaction, enjoyment, and pleasure, of the kind we have only glimpsed here and now. Laughter, accomplishment, fulfillment-being who we were made to be, achieving our full potential, and discovering a contentment that is wonderful (that is, full of wonder), is what heaven is about" (110).
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The Welwyn series is my favourite set of commentaries. They are simple enough for the lay reader yet contain sufficient detail to instruct and help, alongside a study of the Bible.

This book on Job is lengthy and examines each chapter in detail. There are numerous quotations from theologians included and an explanation of the different viewpoints in many areas.

The book of Job is obviously primarily about suffering and our response to it as Christians. We are moving further and further away from the Bible as a means of help and comfort at these times. This book points us back to the source of all true help with this reminder:

Firstly, we need to see the value of the Word of God in the healing process of those who feel spiritually abandoned. Secular counsellors often suggest that Scripture is the cause of the trouble. They suggest that we get rid of the Bible! The right advice, however, is to learn what God's Word has to say and to discover how relevant it all is. Disciplined, thoughtful Bible study will pay enormous dividends. It will change the way we think and that in turn, will change the way we live and feel.

Recommended for those who truly want to understand the book of Job and its practical relevance for us today.… (más)

This is one of the Welwyn series of Commentaries that I've found very useful. They are a good balance for everyday Christian's; not too academic but also not too simplistic. This Commentary on the book of Isaiah is lengthy and can look intimidating but each chapter explains and comments on a short passage of scripture. I found it helpful to read the Bible chapters suggested and then the corresponding chapter in the Commentary to break it down a bit. In controversial areas concerning the future of Israel as a nation the author subscribes to the general reformed position that the prophecies now refer to heaven and that God has no specific plan for Israel as a country (not my personal view.) The author does explain other views but quickly also explains how in his opinion these cannot be correct in light of scripture. Maybe he should be less dogmatic in these areas. But in general a helpful book. Recommended.… (más)

Ezekiel's name means. 'God strengthens.' Every time the prophet's name was mentioned, God's people were assured of his help and reminded of his promise to 'blind up the injured and strengthen the week'.Ezekiel lived in times of great political turmoil and witnessed the final collapse of Judah to the Babylonian empire. His total, unquestioning willingness to do God's will, often at great cost to himself, during the long years of his faithful ministry in exile, is a shining example to Christian workers everywhere.The message of Ezekiel is one of God's faithfulness to his covenant, both in carrying out judgement on sin and in the restoration and blessing of a remnant through the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The prophet's final vision looks forward to days of great blessing, encompassing not only the restoration from exile, but the blessings of the new convenant and the final glory of heaven.… (más)