Free/Bargain Christian Interest, June 2014

[GtrsRGr8]

The New Testament: Its Background and Message. Second edition. By Thomas Lea; David Alan Black. Rated 4 1/2 stars from 20 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $34.99; digital list price $34.99; Kindle price now $2.99. 676 pages. http://www.amazon.com/New-Testament-...nd+and+Message.

Book Description
In the comprehensive The New Testament: Its Background and Message, the late Thomas Lea presented a clear and concise introduction to the New Testament giving readers the key that unlocks the door to understanding these important texts. This influential work presents the background of the New Testament with broad strokes and with a focus on specific books including the Gospels, Acts, and Paul and his letters. Originally written in an easy-to-understand style and form, Lea’s text continues to unlock the message of the New Testament for both new students and seasoned scholars.

[Difflugia]

The Progressive Publication of Matthew: An Explanation of the Writings of the Synoptic Gospels by B. Ward Powers is marked down to $0.99 from a list price of $36.99 (it's $22.99 at Kobo).

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Fresh research, advancing further the work of numerous scholars over a great many decades, points convincingly to a new basis for explaining the Synoptic Problem: the Gospel of Matthew was published in stages.

Scholars have long debated the Synoptic Problem--questions about why and how the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke share so much common material, and yet differ in so many ways.

Assessing all the primary evidence, and the widely differing scholarly views about the Synoptic Problem, B. Ward Powers draws attention to the evidence pointing to Matthew's Gospel having been published progressively, with identifiable sections of his material then being seen and utilized by Luke. After both of these Gospels had been published in their current form, they together with the preaching of the Apostle Peter were the three sources used by Mark in producing a special-purpose Gospel for preachers and evangelists.

The Progressive Publication of Matthew fleshes out this proposal, measuring it in detail against other hypotheses. This book also sets out a clarification of the reason and purpose of Mark's Gospel, and a comprehensive explanation of pericope order in all three Synoptics.

I know nothing about the book and it seems to have no ratings, despite being published in 2010 by B&H Academic.

The author argues for Matthean priority in the writing of the synoptics, while the current scholarly consensus is Markan priority. I've no idea how strong or convincing the author's arguments are, but I find the subject fascinating enough to risk a dollar.

If anyone else enjoys this particular subject, Mark Goodacre's excellent book The Synoptic Problem: A Way Through the Maze is freely available (with the blessing of the author) from archive.org as a scan and OCR (I found the PDF scan readable on a 7" tablet, but YMMV).

[GtrsRGr8]

This ebook was marked down at least once before, in March of last year. However, it was $1.99 then.

Pure Eyes (): A Man's Guide to Sexual Integrity (XXXChurch.com Resource). By Craig Gross; Steven Luff. Rated 5 stars from 36 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $13.99; digital list price $13.99; Kindle price now $0.00. http://www.amazon.com/Pure-Eyes-Inte...om+Resource%29. I noticed that it is also free, as an ePub (DRM Protected), at Christianbook (http://www.christianbook.com/eyes-ma...3044/pd/4388EB). I didn't notice or look elsewhere.

Book Description
When it comes to sex and sexuality, men often find themselves in a losing battle against temptation. Whether it's overt pornography or simply oversexualized images of women, media can be a man's worst enemy. In this straightforward book, Craig Gross and Steven Luff help men understand and embrace the true purpose and role of sex in their lives. Whether single or married, all men must cope with sexual temptation--sometimes on a daily basis. This honest treatment of an uncomfortable issue will free men to experience forgiveness and renewal.

[GtrsRGr8]

My posting of this ebook does not necessarily mean that I endorse any doctrinal positions taken in the book.

Perfectly Unique: Praising God from Head to Foot. By Annie F. Downs. Rated 4 1/2 stars from 54 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $9.99; Kindle price now $0.99. http://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Uniq...m+Head+to+Foot. I noticed that it is not specially marked down at Christianbook; I did not notice or check elsewhere.

Book Description
Your body is an instrument.
No, it's not a flute, or a guitar (I hope).
It is a sacred and original design by a master craftsman with a specific plan and purpose.
That's a pretty big deal.
From head to foot, the way you view your body is directly connected to how you serve God. Seriously. From the thoughts you think to the steps you take, every part of you is linked to the divine.
Perhaps you are struggling with your body image or are trying to make sense of why God made you as you are. Maybe you are looking for new ways to understand Scripture or to love God more fully. Either way, this book will take you on a thoughtful, funny, and spirit-filled exploration of the way you were designed and will help you better honor the Creator by learning to value his perfectly unique creation (yourself!).

[Difflugia]

The NIV edition of The MacArthur Study Bible is $7.99 this week (through 7/6 according to the email, regularly $33.99). It's also published by Thomas Nelson instead of Zondervan, so it's eligible for coupons at Kobo (PERKOPOLIS is still good for 40% off).
B&N Kobo Amazon

MacArthur's One Perfect Life (a harmony of the gospels) is $2.99 and also eligible for Kobo coupons (I just got it for $1.79).
B&N Kobo Amazon

[Loosheesh]

Originally Posted by Difflugia

MacArthur's One Perfect Life (a harmony of the gospels) is $2.99 and also eligible for Kobo coupons (I just got it for $1.79).
B&N Kobo Amazon

Good deal! I bought it in a similar sale last year (but for $3.99) and started reading it at the beginning of 2014. This is the first harmony of the Gospels I've ever attempted and the chronological aspect has been great; I love the notes as well (though I mostly avoid the ones with eschatological implications; still undecided in this regard and I don't want his views to bias me ). I'm following a simple one chapter a day schedule and I should be done by early August.

[Difflugia]

I didn't realize that MacArthur had even done a harmony until I got the sale email, but I decided that it was worth a read, especially at that price.