Robert Lowery

Let me digress . . .

and recommend a study not at all associated with the Book of Revelation. The wonderful volume is by Klyne R. Snodgrass’s Stories With Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus (Eerdmans, 2008). It will take its place in my library alongside the helpful volumes on parables by Craig Blomberg and Ken Bailey. Indeed, in many ways it is superior to the works by those fine scholars.

The book reflects mature scholarship that is geared for either a seminary course or a preacher who is preparing a series on the parables of Jesus. It is, in my opinion, the finest volume of its kind. It is succinct, clear, and accessible. Snodgrass gives clear answers to key questions that arise from a study of the parables. He pays close attention to gospel parallels (e.g., the two parables on lost or wondering sheep in Luke 15 and Matthew 18) and interacts with the important contributions, including the works by Ken Bailey whose cultural insights have been very helpful to serious Bible students. You may not always agree with his conclusions, but you will be a better student because of your reading of Snodgrass.

My digression continues . . .

Read more…

All Bob, all the time, except this time! My friend and colleague, Paul Boatman, has written up a fine summary of what was experienced by us and nearly three dozen other pilgrims who journeyed to Israel in late December, 2008 and early January, 2009. The journey was a remarkable learning experience for all of us.

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When Worldviews Collide—Reflections on a Pilgrimage to Israel
Dr. Paul Boatman
Dean of Lincoln Christian Seminary

“Don’t go! A War is starting.” Friends and family were not encouraging our pilgrimage. For over a year we had been planning our tour of Israel. We knew that the “Holy Land” is a “hot spot” of international, inter-ethnic, and inter-religious conflict, but the desire to experience the physical life-context of Jesus, Peter, David, Ahab, etc. led us to risk committing to a tour right after this past Christmas. Read more…